Sermons at St Aidan's

In a world where we're all suspicious of power and influence of others, Jesus uses his power not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life for others.

In our passage today, a rich man comes to Jesus asking how to inherit Eternal Life. Jesus' answer shows how none of us can ever do enough to earn our salvation. It is only though God that we can be in a restored relationship with our creator.

Today we continue listening to Jesus' teaching about life in his Kingdom. The Pharisees come to Jesus with a question about divorce, seeking to test him and minimize obedience. Jesus highlights God's original purposes for our relationships, and we are challenged to emulate little children in approaching and listening to Jesus' words.

As we continue in Mark's Gospel, we listen to Jesus' teaching about discipleship. Jesus says some radical things that turn our expectations upside down. These are teachings that have changed our world, and still stand as challenges to us as we are called to follow the suffering King.

After the mountain top high of the transfiguration, Jesus and his disciples now return to the reality of a world of sickness, evil, and sin. Confronted with powers beyond their control the disciples learn an important lesson about faith. We too are invited to come to Jesus in our struggles and doubts, and place place our lives in his strong hands.

Today we begin a new series in Mark's Gospel. We pick it up at the turning point in the gospel as Jesus begins to make his way towards Jerusalem. Jesus reveals his mission as the one who must suffer, he is revealed from heaven as the Divine Son, and calls us to follow him on the path of suffering before glory.

This Psalm celebrates the marvelous things that the Lord has done in his salvation and in his reign over all nations and all creation. As we see God's great plan to bring all things under the Lordship of Jesus, may we in 2026 join in his work and join in the celebration and praise.

Psalm 88 is known as "the Bible's darkest prayer, and it teaches as about loneliness, chronic suffering, and faithful prayer. By placing this Psalm alongside other scripture, we will consider why unresolved pain often isolates people, and what it means for the church to be truly good a suffering.

Today, we will be discovering what Psalm 40 has to say about our salvation in Christ and the trust we have in God's deliverance.

Christ is supreme and Christ is sufficient. Therefore our hope is built on him.

Christmas is just a few days away, but what is it that we celebrate at this time of the year? Today we explore the good news of the Saviour that was promised, who arrived in our world 2000 years ago, and who will come again in glory.

Today we will hear about Compassion through their child sponsorship program brings the love of Jesus to children living in poverty, and the impact our church and Presbytery partnership is having among the people of Pulau Sangihe.

The is the fourth talk given during the church's 2025 Weekend Away.

This is the third talk given at the 2025 Weekend Away.

This is the second talk given during the 2025 Weekend Away.

This is the first in a series of four talks that were given at the 2025 Weekend Away.

In the last chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul, knowing that he is near the end of his life, gives Timothy one last instruction: to preach the Word. But what does that look like? Reflecting on his own ministry, Paul tells us that it is only through God that he can proclaim the Gospel and fulfill his ministry.

In chapter three, Paul warns Timothy to watch out for dangerous leaders, to be prepared to suffer for the Gospel himself, and at all times to stick with the Scriptures.

As we continue in the letter of 2 Timothy, Paul begins to explain to Timothy what will be involved in guarding the Gospel. Timothy is urged to persevere in the Gospel himself, and to be faithful in passing it on to others.

Today we begin a new series in the letter of 2 Timothy. This is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy. Paul knows that his life on earth is drawing to an end. In this letter we hear the final words that Paul wants to impart, words of hope and trust in the Gospel

The meaning of meek in the 3rd Beatitude has changed over the centuries, and has a far greater meaning in our present day language.

Today we come to the the final chapter in our series in Romans where Paul again discusses the place of the Law, and how we are to relate to it now as Christians? Now that we are united to Christ, what is the motivation and power for change in the Christian life?

In our passage today, Paul answers the criticism that justification by faith means that believers are free to sin. Paul however shows that those who are in Christ, exchange sin for righteousness because they are a new creation in Christ.

After hearing that we are saved through Jesus being our representative, Paul addresses the objection that if our works do not earn our salvation, then we should keep on sinning. In answering the question, Paul declares the joyful news that those who believe in Jesus are united to him. They are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ, which leads to a new life that glorifies God.

As we continue in our series on Paul's letter to the church in Rome, we see today just how certain is the hope we have in Jesus. Though humanity and our world has fallen into sin, Paul will show how the grace of God in Jesus Christ is so much bigger.

Paul now shows us what difference it makes for us to be justified through faith in Christ. The benefits and blessings that come from our justification impact our lives in the present through good times and bad, as well as giving us assurance for the future. The good news of the gospel gives us much to rejoice in.

After hearing the good news that unrighteous people are declared to be righteous people by grace through Jesus, received by faith. Paul now goes back to see how this has always been the way that people are saved. He looks back to Abraham as the key example of right standing with God received by faith.

AS we continue ion the book of Romans, we come to see the good news of God's grace to us in Christ. The gospel declares it is by the mercy of God that we are declared right with God, and this comes to us as a gift.

The Apostle Paul turns his attention specifically to the Jews which raises the question of what are we to rely on for salvation. Paul warns about misplaced confidence and redirects our attention to the grace of God in Jesus Christ alone.

In Paul's letter to the church in Rome, he rejoices in how the good news about Jesus brings salvation to all who believe. In the section we are looking at today, Paul addresses the question: Does everybody need saving? Aren't there respectable and religious people who are good enough for God?

As we continue today, we now see our great need for salvation as Paul describes human idolatry and immorality that is deserving of God's wrath.

Today we begin a new series hearing God's word in the letter of Romans. As we begin, we hear of the good news of the Gospel that has gripped and transformed Paul, He is unashamed of this message and his great desire is for all people to hear, believe, and be saved.

The Holy Spirit dwells in each of us as believers, but His best expression is in the corporate life of the church. As we wrap up our short series on the Spirit, we will consider the Spirit's work in our lives together as St. Aidan's.

Last week we established that the Spirit is not a something, but a someone. And He's a very significant someone in our lives as Christians. What is the work of the Spirit in us?

As we begin a short series working through the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, we'll start by asking what or who even is the Holy Spirit? What is the Holy Spirit's role in the Trinity and why does that matter?

Following on from our series in 2 Samuel, we are looking at Psalm 31 which is a prayer of David's showing his trust in God during a time of suffering and distress.

As we come toward the end of David's story in 2 Samuel, we now listen to David's song of thanksgiving as he reflects on God's grace toward him over his life.

As we continue to follow the story of David in 2 Samuel, we see that he now returns to the throne as God's promises endure. But the pattern of David's life is again suffering followed by glory, a pattern we also see in our great King Jesus, and the calling of those who follow him.

Continuing in 2 Samuel, we see the terrible consequences of sin unfolding. David's sons amplify the sins of their father, the kingdom of David is torn apart, and David himself is exiled from Jerusalem. All of this leaves us longing for a better King and a better Kingdom that has been established by Jesus Christ. Please note that part of the Bible passage that will be read and taught today describes sexual assault. If this is distressing for you, feel free to take the space you need. Carin Cumberlege, our safe ministry representative would be pleased to speak with you if you desire.

In Psalm 51 we explore King David's confession of sin, true repentance, and plea for mercy after his tragic fall into sin, and God's response of restoration and forgiveness,

Today we continue in our series in 2 Samuel where we see the destructive nature of sin, that it harms people and has terrible consequences. But though we see the effects of sin, we also see God's forgiveness that deals justly with wrongdoing, and is merciful.

Today we continue our series following the David Story in 2 Samuel, and we see that Kingdom being established in Israel. God's King is one who is victorious over all. It is foolish to oppose him , and those who are wise find refuge and mercy in the Son.

As we continue to listen to God's word from 2 Samuel, we hear God's promise to David that has shaped the entire history of humanity. Things are looking good for God's people as they enjoy rest from their enemies under King David, but as David looks to build a house for God, God promises to build a better house and to provide a deeper rest through David's greater son.

Today we continue the series following the David Story in 2 Samuel. We see how God exalts David as King over Israel for the sake of his people, establishing his Kingdom in Jerusalem giving him victory over enemies. We also see how David is humbled before the holiness of God, which leads to celebration of God's gracious presence among his people.

Today we begin a journey through the book of 2 Samuel - "The Story of David". The story of David illuminates the most important story in the history of the world, the story of Jesus Christ and as we explore the beginnings of the reign of King David, we see God's work in the world to establish his reign amid the mess of history and through broken people. Ultimately, we are pointed to the better King who God has installed to save and rule over all.

As Christ's resurrection is based on solid eyewitness accounts; and the changed lives of Paul and the disciples; so God's people in this age can trust in the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting.

We are starting this new series for 3 weeks on Easter. This sermon looks at the Last supper where Jesus announces that finally the time has come for God to rescue His people from the power of sin and death, that we are forgiven through Jesus' sacrificial death.

Today our journey through Mark's gospel brings us to aclimactic point where the religious leaders express a lack of faith, the disciples seem slow to understand and are distracted by worldly worries, but in His grace God reveals to Peter the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. The crucial question for us is ‘who do you say Jesus is?' and how are you responding to God's revelation in him?

Today we see Jesus' ministry extending beyond the borders of Israel. In the healing of a foreigner and the feeding of the gentiles, we see the mercy of God reaching the lost, reminding us that we are undeserving recipients of God's kindness and opening our eyes to his worldwide mission.

Today we read of Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees as they question him about his observance of their traditions. In response, Jesus exposes their hard-halfheartedness and hypocrisy , he also exposes our hearts as he speaks of the depth of the human problem. Jesus has come near as the one who can wash us clean of our sin and give us new hearts that love God and are willing to obey.

Why does Jesus walk on water? We all know he did it, but what was the point? More to the point, why would this event fill the disciples with fear? The heart of the matter is the heart of the matter as we will see.