The more things change, the more we need ancient texts which comfort, challenge and critique a world falling apart. Discover how old stories speak into modern lives, politics and culture, and how there's room in this faith for everyone. Read more at sanctuarybaptist.wordpress.com.
A rainbow reading, and other stories. A reflection on Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 9 August 2026 (Proper 14 Year A)
Through struggle, we are transformed. A reflection on Genesis 32:22-31 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 2 August 2026 (Proper 13 Year A).
Notes on sibling rivalry. A reflection on Genesis 29:15-30, shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 26 July 2026 (Proper 12 Year A).
On weeds, seeds, scoundrels, and descendants like dandelions. Reflecting on Genesis 28:10-22 and Matthew 13:24-43 with Manningham Uniting Church, 19 July 2026 (Proper 11 Year A).
Could a common story interrupt thirty centuries of violence? Reflecting on Genesis 12:1-9 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 June 2026 (Pentecost 2 Year A).
It seems doubt is part and parcel with faith: and this should be deeply encouraging. Reflecting on Matthew 28:16-20 with Manningham Uniting Church, 31 May 2026 (Trinity Year A).
(From the archives) If you want to see Jesus, don't stand there peering into heaven! Reflecting on Acts 1:6-14 with Manningham Uniting Church, 17 May 2026 (Ascension).
A promise to all who have been judged and found wanting. Reflecting on John 14:15-21 with Manningham Uniting Church, 10 May 2026 (Easter 6 Year A; Mother's Day).
A people grounded in Christ will not be violent, but gentle, humble and hospitable. Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:1-10 with Manningham Uniting Church, 3 May 2026 (Easter 5 Year A).
The hallmarks of the voice which is good. Reflecting on John 10:1-10 with Manningham Uniting Church, 26 April 2026 (Easter 4 Year A).
In the shadow of empire and its death-dealing gods, the Risen One comes quiet and unobtrusive. Reflecting on Luke 24:14-35 with Manningham Uniting Church, 19 April 2026 (Easter 2 Year A).
(From the archives) The medium is the message, and our guy is the clown. Reflecting on Matthew 17:1-11 with Manningham Uniting Church, 29 March 2026 (Palm Sunday, Year A).
In the places of death, speak words of life. Reflecting on Ezekiel 37:1-14 with Manningham Uniting Church, 22 March 2026 (Lent 5 Year A).
(From the archives) To encounter Jesus is to invite change. Reflecting on John 9:1-41 with Manningham Uniting Church, 15 March 2026 (Lent 4 Year A).
In which Jesus hooks up, and heals some ancient wounds. Reflecting on John 4:5-42 with Manningham Uniting Church, 8 March 2026 (Lent 3 Year A).
Transcending our secular age. Reflecting on John 3:1-17 with Manningham Uniting Church, 1 March 2026 (Lent 2 Year A).
In which a Baptist pastor affirms infant baptism. Reflecting on Matthew 3:16-4:11 with Manningham Uniting Church on 22 February 2026 (Lent 1 Year A, reading extended backwards two verses).
Transfiguration, crucifixion, and a trans man alive in Christ. Reflecting on Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration Year A) with Manningham Uniting Church, 15 February 2026.
In a media landscape that threatens to overwhelm, Isaiah offers a way of hope. Reflecting on Isaiah 58 with Manningham Uniting Church, 8 February 2026 (Epiphany 5 Year A).
(Refreshed from the archives.) Includes a naming of some aspects of colonisation; if you're not up for it, skip this one! Reflecting on Genesis 14 with Manningham Uniting Church on Aboriginal Sunday, 25 January 2026.
The incarnation offers an earthy faith which embraces bodies and mess. Reflecting at Christmas with Manningham Uniting Church, 25 December 2025.
(From the archives.) God demands Joseph wake up to a deeper reality, where love takes priority over obedience to God's law and scandal forms the womb of grace. Reflecting on Matthew 1:18-25 with Manningham Uniting Church, 21 December 2025 (Advent 4 Year A).
What sort of Messiah are we waiting for? Reflecting on Matthew 11:2-11 with Manningham Uniting Church, 14 December 2025 (Advent 3 Year A).
Authentic faith means change. Reflecting on Matthew 3:1-12 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 December 2025 (Advent 2 Year A).
A mix up of metaphors on sleeping and waking, taking and leaving, and hoping in the dark. Reflecting on Matthew 24:36-44 with Manningham Uniting Church, 30 November 2025 (Advent 1 Year A).
Christ is the one true logo for our lives. Reflecting on Colossians 1:11-20 with Manningham Uniting Church, 23 November 2025 (Proper 29 Year C).
Isaiah's city of joy is a vision which can transform this world, now. Reflecting on Isaiah 65:17-25 with Manningham Uniting Church, 16 November 2025 (Proper 28 Year C).
Resurrection life starts today! Reflecting on Luke 20:27-38 with Manningham Uniting Church, 9 November 2025 (Proper 27 Year C).
A meditation on rivers and soil and economies of gift and abundance. Reflecting on Psalm 65 with Manningham Uniting Church, 26 October 2025 (Proper 25 Year C).
It takes prayer and persistence to bring about justice. Reflecting on Luke 18:1-8 with Manningham Uniting Church, 19 October 2025 (Proper 24 Year C).
In the face of climate catastrophe, seek the welfare of your place. One from the archives, revisited. Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:4-11 with Manningham Uniting Church, 12 October 2025 (Proper 23 Year C, extended reading).
How much faith is enough? Reflecting on Luke 17:5-10 and Lamentations 3:22-23 with Manningham Uniting Church, 5 October 2025 (Proper 22 Year C).
On fancy backpacks, fine merino briefs and the responsibilities of the global rich. Reflecting on Luke 16:19-31 with Manningham Uniting Church, 28 September 2025 (Proper 21 Year C).
On flea bombs, sick kids, old wardrobes, the grim reaper – and resurrection life! Shared with Box Hill Baptist Church on 21 September 2025.
Sometimes, it takes a while to say yes. Reflecting on Luke 15 with Manningham Uniting Church, 14 September 2025 (Proper 19/Pentecost 14, Year C).
Discipleship knows no age limits. Reflecting on Psalm 1 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 September 2025 (Proper 18/Pentecost 13, Year C).
How faith nearly tore my family apart, then brought it together again. Reflecting on Luke 12:49-56 with Manningham Uniting Church on 17 August 2025 (Proper 15/Pentecost 10, Year C).
Not every image of God is faithful to the way of Jesus. Reflecting on Hosea 11:1-11 with Coburg Uniting church on 3 August 2025 (Proper 13 Year C).
On exile, law, salt and love. Reflecting on Matthew 5:13-20 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, 27 July 2025 (off lectionary, the reading is usually assigned to Epiphany 5 Year A).
A religious scholar, a wounded traveller, a Samaritan and two sisters walk into a kitchen ... Reflecting on Luke 10:38-42 with the Community of St Mark, Clifton Hill, on 20 July 2025 (Proper 11 Year C).
The breath-wind-spirit of God is an invitation to deep communion. Reflecting on the Holy Spirit with Rosanna Baptist church on 13 July 2025 (multiple texts, off lectionary).
In a world of authoritarian leaders, Elijah's story should give us backbone. Reflecting on 1 Kings 19:1-18 with Auburn Life, 22 April 2025 (Proper 7 Year C).
Justice, humbleness, bodies ... and rainbow cake! Reflecting on Hosea 6:6-8 with The Village Church, Mount Eliza, 25 May 2025.
Resurrection life is elusive and disruptive—and changes everything. Reflecting on Luke 24 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, Year C Easter Day, 20 April 2025
In the face of oppression, Jesus tightens our focus and grounds us. Reflecting on Luke 13:1-9 with Brunswick Baptist Church, Lent 3 Year C, 23 March 2025.
Jesus' resistance to evil lies in knowing himself beloved. Reflecting on Luke 4:1-13 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, Lent 1 Year C, 9 March 202.
Is baptism a ticket out of this world, or a plunge further into it? Reflecting on Luke 3:15-22 with Coburg Uniting Church, 12 January 2025.
Love in a troubled world: what does it look like? And what does it not? Reflecting on Isaiah 42:1-9 and Philippians 2:5-11, West Preston Baptist Church, 15 December 2024.
God's word comes to the one who relinquishes privilege and works for justice. Shared with Westgate Baptist on 8 December 2024, reflecting on Luke 3:1-6
Military violence never ends, but Jesus' way leads to a true and lasting peace. Shared with Coburg Uniting Church on 24 November 2024, reflecting on John 18:33-37 (Christ the King).
In a nation struggling with the legacies of Christendom, the widow's gift offers a way forward. Shared with Rosanna Baptist on 10 November 2024, reflecting on Mark 12:38-13:2.
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