St Paul's Box Hill Podcast

Is Gods grace and love and life for all people? Or is it just for a few very select people? Today we hear of a woman in need who looks to Jesus for grace and life. But she doesnt have the right upbringing, so does she belong? The disciples of Jesus dont think so. They put up barriers and ask Jesus to send her away, but because of her persistence in faith, Jesus commends her for her faith and shares his amazing grace. We too are like this woman. In faith we look to Jesus, but are we also like the disciples who put up barriers to others? [Pentecost 16]

How do you deal with anger, yours and others'? How does God call us to deal with anger? Today we explore what God says in Ephesians 4 about this, and how God has given us his Son, Jesus Christ, to deal with anger in a healthy and God pleasing way. [Pentecost 12]

The Mizo people of the Indian state of Mizoram are not wealthy people by some standards. However, they have a most spiritually rich story of Gods blessing in their lives and their Christian Church by their giving in response to Gods amazing generosity for them. All families give a handful of rice each meal for the work of the gospel. Today we hear the rich blessings of their story and ask, How much can we give as God has first given us? [Pentecost 11]

Because of sin in our lives, we and all people face a sentence of death from God. But God loves all people so much that he gave his Son Jesus, who though truly God, took our sin onto himself to pay the price and redeem us from Gods punishment. Christ became a poor slave so that we might become rich with Gods grace. How will we respond with our wealth? [Pentecost 10]

Christ has set us free by giving himself for us on the cross as a sacrificial gift. We too can serve others freely with the same mind as Christ. Today we explore how we can serve in our church, in our family and close relationships, and in our society and world. How can we serve and give as Christ has first given himself for us? [Pentecost 9]

God is generous in gifting us with his good gifts. How faithful are we as his managers of his gifts of grace and the specific spiritual gifts he gives us? Today we explore this, and begin to learn what our spiritual gifts are. [Pentecost 8]

Today we explore growing up with Jesus in his hometown. Familiarity led some to box Jesus in with their expectations, hindering their ability to see him for who he truly was. Yet, despite rejection, Jesuss healing power revealed Gods limitless grace, challenging us to break free from the confines we impose on our faith.[Pentecost 7]

Today we hear of twoencounters that reveal Jesus' power over death, offering hope beyond human limitations. Jairus, a synagogue elder, seeks Jesus' help for his dying daughter. Despite societal expectations, he risks all. Meanwhile, a woman, shunned for her illness, finds healing through touching Jesus' cloak. [Pentecost 6]

The Bible tells us that Gods Sprit is the breath of life bringing people to faith in Jesus. Todays gospel reading, though, tells of disciples in a boat with Jesus facing a terrible storm of wind and waves. Where is Jesus when you need him? Is he absent? Does he care? Sometimes we wonder these things when the storms of life hit us. Jesus has authority over the storms and the things which cause us fear. The Spirit is our advocate who breathes on us Gods life and calls us to Jesus, who calms the storms and brings us safely to shore. [Pentecost 5]

Christians can and do face spiritual attack from Satan. But there is no need for us to panic. We know that because of Jesus and his sacrifice and resurrection, Satan is already defeated. And God by the gift of the Holy Spirit, equips us with his sure defences against spiritual attack. Today we focus especially on the gift of prayer as defence for us and others. [Spiritual Warfare 3] [Pentecost 4]

Revelation 12 details the vision of John on the Lords day in worship. He sees a cosmic battle between God and Satan. Satan is defeated and thrown down from heaven to the earth where, in his death throes, he still tries to attack Christians by taking them away from their faith and trust in the Triune God. We can face spiritual attack, but God assures us and defends us by the means of grace in our worship, and in worship equips us to witness to the victory of Christ over sin, death, and the devil. [Spiritual Warfare 2] [Pentecost 3]

This is week one of a three-part sermon series on spiritual warfare. Today we hear that we are victors of the battle because Christ has won the victory over the powers of sin, death and the devil for us. Yet we can still face spiritual attack, and we are called to grow in our faith in Christ and his promises to bring us through the dark places to the light of his life for us. [Spiritual Warfare 1] [Pentecost 2]

In baptism God gives us his name and calls us by name. We are rescued from the darkness of death and given the light of eternal life. God calls and equips us to radiate this light by the way we live. Today, as we enter into National Reconciliation Week, we also explore what it means to live as Christ lights in our broken world. [Trinity Sunday]

In the original Pentecost, people from many lands and languages all told the gospel story of Jesus Christ crucified and then risen from the dead. Today we hear of a modern-day city called Pematangsiantar in Indonesia. This is where 13 people from St Pauls experienced the gift of the Holy Spirit among people of another land and language, and how we received the gospel in words and actions. Led by Pastor Neville, the team members take turns to tell their stories. [Pentecost]

When Jesus returned to the Father in heaven he promised his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. He promised that the disciples would receive power from God to be his witnesses in the world. Today we explore what power we as Christians have as the empowered people of God. [Ascension Day]

People have different ideas on what power is and what it is to make it in life. John tells us something surprising in 1 John 5 today. He says that our faith, our confession of faith that Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose for us and for all people, is Gods power in us. Christians who receive the gifts of God on the cross and through the resurrection live the victory of God and his power by loving as God has first loved us. [Easter 6]

We all feel fear sometimes; but we also know Gods promise that his perfect love dispels fear, and perhaps you have experienced this. In his first epistle, John outlines three tests of faith: the moral, social, and doctrinal tests. As Gods people, we can have bold faith even in the most uncertain times. [Easter 5]

When we spend time being with impressive people, it changes us. Acts 4 highlights the transformative power of 'being with' Jesus. Peter and John, who were not well educated in their society, displayed extraordinary courage, knowledge and faith because they had been with Jesus. Being with Jesus fills believers with the Holy Spirit, gives them courage to speak His name boldly, and compels them to share their experiences. 'Being with Jesus' is fundamental to discipleship, emphasising relationship over ritual. [Easter 4]

On this Easter day, we will begin our worship in the darkness. The coming dawn will overcome the darkness, and remind us of the very first Easter morning when the darkness gave way to the light, and death was overcome by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Gods gift for us is the same gift of life which overcomes death. [Easter Day]

Today is Palm Sunday. Its the day the crowd welcomes Jesus to Jerusalem. They welcome him with shouts of Hosanna! and they bless him. However, in a few short days the voices of the crowd will dramatically change to shouts of Crucify him! What do our lives, our voices, our actions and attitudes say? Because of our sin, Jesus goes willingly to the cross to save us. We are called to lift our voices to share the news of Jesus and his sacrificial death for all people. [Palm Sunday]

Today Jesus prepares his disciples for the hour for which he came. He is about to give his life so that many can live. He speaks of a single grain of wheat which must be planted into the earth in order to bear a harvest. Jesus is the seed. In giving his life, he opens the way for the creation of a community of life, both on earth and in heaven. The one seed will give rise to a great community. [Lent 5]

The journey on the way of the cross can be hard and sometimes a hard struggle. There can be all sorts of troubles we face. Jesus calls us to him, and promises to help us, and walk with us through the places we encounter to bring us to the other side. [Lent 4]

We might think of the Christian life as ordered. We might want our lives as disciples to be predictable and controllable but Gods call can upset the apple cart by the call of the Holy Spirit, who calls us on holy but sometimes unpredictable and uncontrollable journeys of faith. [Lent 3]

God called Abram and Sarai to pack up and Go where he called them to a new land. They respond in faith and God is waiting for them to welcome them with blessing, so that they may be a blessing to the world. God calls us people to follow Jesus and so to go on his way of the cross leading a life of faith. How is God calling you? Will you respond to his call in faith? He promises to be with you in blessing. [Lent 2]

On this first Sunday in Lent, we stand with Isaiah before a holy God in the temple at Jerusalem. Isaiah cries out, Woe is me, because sinful human beings cannot stand in the presence of our holy God and live. But God comes to Isaiah, even without his asking, as a seraph touches Isaiah on the lips with a live coal taken from temple altar. He is made clean, and now his lips will speak Gods Word to the world. We too, are made holy as the gospel brings us to faith, and we too are called to take the gospel as we journey to the cross with Jesus this Lent. [Lent 1]

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. It heralds a season where people are called to repent, which means to to turn. It is in this season that God calls you, and calls all people, to turn anew to Christ as he journeys to the cross. We are called to follow him, and in so doing to receive the gift of life, and not the sentence of death which we deserve because of sin. We are called on a journey with Jesus to the cross in our lives. [Ash Wednesday]

Today we hear of the amazing events of Jesus transfiguration on the mountain top we learn that life as a disciple of Jesus may have wonderful spiritual mountain experiences. But our life as disciples of Jesus calls us to follow him back down the mountain to the plain where the people are, and to follow him on the way of the cross. [Transfiguration]

Nelson Mandelas autobiography is titled Long Walk to Freedom. Mandela did all he could to free his country from the bondage of apartheid. Christ Jesus made the long walk to the cross and from the tomb to set all people who trust in him free from the power of sin, death and the devil. New life in Christ brings a wonderful freedom to serve others, so that they too may receive the freedom to live and make the life-long walk to eternal freedom with Christ. [Epiphany 5]

The people are amazed that Jesus teaches with authority. But what is this authority, and what does it mean for them, and for us today? Jesus authority is revealed in Marks gospel as authority from God to serve and give his life, in order to bring life to people. We have been freed to serve God and one another in freedom. [Epiphany 4]

In the season of great revelation called Epiphany, Jesus is portrayed as a light in darkness, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. This light exposes hidden aspects of ourselves, not to shame us, but for healing. Repentance means a radical turning back toward God, embracing a daily choice to follow Jesus. The light also reveals the world's pain, urging us into ministry. Jesus calls us to follow him, promising to shape us as fishers of people, emphasising faith and reliance on him. We work in community, announcing the Kingdom of God, and relying on the trust God places in us to participate in His ministry. [Epiphany 3]

Psalm 139 is a favourite psalm as it gives insight into King Davids wonder of Gods knowledge of him. It expresses how every child of God is known, protected and blessed by God, who seeks to make Himself known to us. Today we focus on selected verses. [Epiphany 2]

The Gifts That Really Matter. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season, and celebrates the revelation of Christ to the wider world following the visit of the Magi from the East. Its an ideal time to stop and think about what sort of gifts would really make a difference to our lives and our world. [Christmas 2]

As Joseph and Mary settled into life with their new baby, they presented him at the temple to make the required sin offering. There he was separately recognised by Simeon and Anna, two devoted people faithfully waiting for the Messiah. As their faith and deep exposure to the scriptures allowed them to recognise Christ in this ordinary-seeming baby boy, so may our faith and hearing the Word show us Christ, especially in the bread and wine. [Christmas 1]

We traditionally feast at Christmas time and this is not out of place if its in celebration of the eternal Son of God, called The Word, becoming a human being like us, to save us from the consequences of sin. True spirituality therefore values normal human life, and lives it with and for Jesus. [Christmas Day]

The readings for the third Sunday of Advent traditionally focus on joy. It's clear in Mary's song, but where is the joy in John's call to repent?We need to look to the one he prepares the world for the one in whom we can rejoice always. [Advent 3] APOLOGIES for the brief disruption in the video around the 57 minute mark.

We share the joy of the childrens Nativity presentation, and then we hear of the need to prepare a way for God in the wilderness of life. In this wilderness, God desires to transform suffering into joy, offering forgiveness and comfort. We can trust in God's transformative work in the midst of adversity, knowing that he will carry us to safety and the fullness of resurrection life. [Advent 2]

The pandemic caught us unprepared and made us wait and watch for its end. But still were not satisfied, because ultimately were all waiting for the Lord to come in glory to put everything right. Yet he also comes to us now, too, in every encounter engaged in his name, as he came at Bethlehem, and by his cross and empty tomb joyful down-payments on his final appearing in glory, and really worth watching for. [Advent 1]

Jesus teaching about the Sheep and the Goats is a challenging text, and can raise some immediate questions for us some of these questions may even be frightening. The good news is that Jesus wants us to grapple with a far deeper, more foundational question. Hes also pointing us to an answer that can transform our lives, give us hope, and even a power to change our world for the better. [Pentecost 26]

Today we hear about the challenges of inclusivity for newcomers. We are encouraged to embody the roles of "salt" and "light" by extending kindness, love, and outreach to others, ultimately reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our lives. [Pentecost 25]

Today we hear of the importance of humility and wisdom in faith. We are encouraged to be wise, recognising the need for Gods forgiveness, continually replenishing our faith through prayer and God's word, and shining Christ's light through our love for others. [Pentecost 24]

Today, on this festival of All Saints, we remember and give thanks for Christians who have gone ahead of us in the faith. All Saints Day has a long history, beginning with the early martyrs. Over time this day has been used to commemorate all those who have died and gone into Gods glory ahead of us those who have been given the great blessing of Gods own holiness through Jesus Christ our Saviour. [All Saints]

Today we celebrate the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. Martin Luther wanted to bring some reforms to the Roman Catholic church, but instead was excommunicated, and a bounty was put on his head. [Reformation]

Our Gospel today tells of an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, who were trying to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. [Pentecost 21]

In a world where conflict, war and division seem to dominate, how can we hear Pauls encouragement to rejoice? Where do we find the peace that allows us to let go of our anxieties? [Pentecost 20]

The LCANZ has called forachurch-wide day of prayer focusing on the unity of the church. This is a significant day, as it is just a year from the 2024 Convention of General Synod. This will be the focus of our service this Sunday, where we will hear of hopes and prayers for the future of the LCANZ. [Pentecost 19]

In Philippians chapter 2, Paul says that Christians shine like stars as we hold out the Word of life. Today we explore what it means to be Gods shining stars as we grow in faith, and in the way we live to become more and more like Christ himself. [Pentecost 18]

What happens when Christians who have been forgiven and who have been reconciled to God because of the gift of Jesus death on the cross, face major differences of opinion? Do we forgive and work toward reconciliation, or do we fight? Today we explore this question as we look at a wonderful artwork entitled Many Eyes. [Pentecost 16]

Jesus teaches the disciples about life in community today. What happens when Christians have differences and cause one another to sin or to lose their faith? Stop! And come together in humility in my name. Sort out your differences at my cross of forgiveness and life. Where two or three are gathered there, I bring the miracle of forgiveness. [Pentecost 15]

We know that Jesus suffered his cross for us all, but why does he call us to bear our own crosses too? Its a puzzling call, but also a life-giving one when we keep our eyes on him. [Pentecost 14]

In todays gospel reading, Jesus asks his disciples, Who do others say that the Son of Man is? He then directly asks the disciples, Who do you say that I am? When Peter makes a statement of faith in Jesus as the Son of God, Jesus then says he will build his church on this very statement of faith. Jesus says that the gates of death and hell shall not prevail against Gods church and his people. Look to the cross and hear the question, Who do you say that I am? And in today's service, 12 of our young people will join us at the Lord's table for the first time. [Pentecost 13]

We all know that sinking feeling in life. Peter experiences it when he takes his focus from Jesus to his own strength and fear. But Jesus doesnt abandon Peter nor any of us. Immediately Jesus reaches out to save. [Pentecost 11]