Weekly Talks

by Bp John Roundhill | Genesis 15: 1-21Genesis 15: 1-21 (NIV)Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham, that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars. The Lord was true to his word, and Israel became a great nation. Today we live under a new covenant, whereby all who accept Jesus are included in God's family. 

by Rev Charlie Lacey | Genesis 13: 5-18 and 14: 18-24Genesis 13: 5-18 and 14: 18-24 (NIV)In last week's reading, Abram set us a very poor example of how to live by faith.  This week it's the opposite; he sets us a great example of what it means to trust and glorify the Lord.  All within a passage that clearly points to Jesus – the one in whom we place our trust.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Genesis 12: 10-20Genesis 12: 10-20 (NIV)Following God's ways doesn't guarantee us an easy life, but doubting God and rejecting his ways will invariably make our lives more difficult and complicated.  Abram had faith, but he also had doubts, and his doubts led him to make the most appalling decisions.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Genesis 12: 1-9Genesis 12: 1-9 (NIV)God called Abraham and told him to ‘Go'.  In a similar way Jesus called the disciples and told them to ‘Go'.  We are the latest in a long line of believers tasked with carrying forward God's great rescue plan.

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 28: 16-20 Matthew 28: 16-20 (NIV) The Great Commission is not an optional extra, rather, it lies at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Today we explored what making disciples looks like in our daily lives. 

by Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 28: 1-15  Matthew 28: 1-15 (NIV)Today, we celebrated the most important, exciting, and impactful event in the history of the world: the resurrection of Jesus. This event assures us that death is not the end—there is life beyond the grave for those who put their trust in Jesus. 

By Rev Trevor Adams | Isaiah 53: 1-7 & Matthew 27: 11-66Isaiah 53: 1-7 & Matthew 27: 11-66 (NIV)As part of the court case against Jesus, he was brought to the Roman governor who asked Him the pertinent question, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

by Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 26: 6-56 After supper we examined two contrasting responses to Jesus; that of the woman, who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, and Judas, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

by Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 21: 1-17 Matthew 21: 1-17 (NIV) Today we celebrated Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as King. A few days later the atmosphere turned sour – but we know that Jesus was and is the true King and the crowds were right to welcome him. 

by Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 19: 16-30Matthew 19: 16-30 (NIV)Following Jesus comes at a cost, but it is nothing compared to what we stand to gain. The rich young man in Matthew's Gospel was so attached to his wealth and possessions that he couldn't follow Jesus. He is the only person in the Gospels who encountered Jesus and went away sad. Materialism remains one of the greatest challenges for Christians in the Western world. 

 by Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 17: 1-13 Matthew 17: 1-13 (NIV)The Transfiguration, when Jesus' glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John, was both a literal and figurative mountaintop experience. It offers valuable lessons on how we navigate the spiritual highs and lows of life. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 16: 13-20Matthew 16: 13-20 (NIV)There was an occasion when Jesus asked his disciples the most important question of all.  It was the most important question for them, and it's the most important question for us. ‘Who do you say I am?'  Who is Jesus? That is the question upon which everything hangs. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 15: 21-28Matthew 15: 21-28 (NIV)Today, we focussed on one of the more socially taboo interactions that Jesus had.  And we observed a response to Jesus which was simultaneously humble, bold, faith-filled and discerning.

by Rev Trevor Adams |  2 Peter 3: 3-13 2 Peter 3: 3-13 (NIV)Unfortunately, we were unable to meet today as the school is closed. However, the testimonies in this podcast remind us of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness, which we continue to see and experience in countless ways.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Isaiah 58: 1-12Isaiah 58: 1-12 (NIV)

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 8: 5-13Matthew 8: 5-13 (NIV)By fully trusting in Jesus' authority and power, the Centurion amazed even Jesus with his incredible faith. Let us pray for that same unwavering faith, recognizing that Jesus alone can help us in every situation. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 4: 1-11  Matthew 4: 1-11 (NIV) This morning we had part two of our series titled, ‘Responding to Jesus'. Last week, we saw that if we're going to respond to Jesus well, we first need repentant hearts. Today's reading actually has more to do with how Jesus responded to the devil's temptations. And it's a blueprint of how we should respond when we're tempted. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 3: 1-17  Matthew 3: 1-17 (NIV) We've started a new series called ‘Responding to Jesus'', based on Matthew's Gospel. Over the coming weeks, we'll be looking at some of the many ways that people responded to Jesus when he walked the earth. Jesus continues to elicit a wide range of responses today. The question for us as we go through this series is, ‘How am I going to respond to Jesus today --- and for the rest of my life?' *Please Note we experienced some audio problems this morning as a result this recording is not to our normal quality.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Acts 6: 1-7Acts 6: 1-7 (NIV)If it were not for a steady succession of disciple-making disciples down through the ages, we would not be here today.  There would be no church. In order to secure the church of the future, we need to understand and act upon the principle of Multiplying Disciples.

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Acts 2: 42-47  Acts 2: 42-47 (NIV)When someone gives their life to Jesus, they embark on a lifelong process of change and transformation.  It's the work of the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to guide Christians on that journey.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Acts 1: 1-8Acts 1: 1-8 (NIV)The mission of St. Andrew's is to - Love Jesus . Love the Church .  Love the World.  We cannot fulfil that mission on any level without being intentional about disciple making.  The task may look daunting at times, but the Lord gives us all we need.If you are interested in viewing the trailer for 14 peaks please use the link belowhttps://youtu.be/8QH5hBOoz08?si=iAJjfJYcXcPc-ti7

By Rev Trevor Adams | Luke 12: 13-21Luke 12: 13-21 (NIV)Years ago I heard this quote:  “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.”   A disgruntled man asks Jesus, the teacher,  to  arbitrate - the man's brother  allegedly grabbed all the family inheritance.  Jesus partly responds with a story of a very wealthy self-made  man who wanted even more, then died, lost his life. Do you and I maybe feel that we haven't enough to share? How much is 'enough?' 

By Rev Bev Bell | Matthew 25: 14-30Matthew 25: 14-30 (NIV) Jesus tells a Parable about a Servants lack of responsible care of his Masters money while the Master is away. God gives each one of us different gifts and talents according to our abilities. May we discern the gifts and talents we have been given and grow and use them responsibly, for the glory of God and the growing of Gods people and God's kingdom.

By Rev Trevor Adams | Matthew 13: 1-23Matthew 13: 1-23 (NIV)Every single person is born good. No person sets out to be bad, horrible,  cantankerous, a sly crook or worse? Evidently, the brain CAN be re-programmed. Neurological experiments in the USA found that the brain can recruit new nerve cells. When we read the Bible, we are recruiting new nerve cells  and rewired neuronal connections. St Paul talks about the renewal of the mind. See Romans 12.2

by Rev Trevor Adams |  2 Peter 3: 3-13  2 Peter 3: 3-13 (NIV)Today Rev Trevor and members of the congregation honoured God by shared things we are grateful for.  

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Luke 2: 1-20 Luke 2: 1-20 (NIV)The birth of Jesus is cause for tremendous celebration.  Excluding the resurrection of Jesus, no event in history even comes close.  But why is Christmas such good news?

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Luke 4: 14-21 Luke 4: 14-21 (NIV)If I were to summarise the whole of the Old Testament in a single word, that word would be ‘promise'. God's promises are trustworthy and true. When we read the Old Testament we can see that there was never any doubt that Jesus would come. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  John 1: 1-14  John 1: 1-14 (NIV) Some would say that the Christmas story is far-fetched. However, it's worth remembering that much of what we see in the world around us is "far-fetched". A fine tuned universe that appeared out of nothing, the emergence of life, and DNA could, in a sense, all be described as "far-fetched". God created the universe and about 2,000 years ago he came into his creation in the person of Jesus Christ.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Luke 24: 13-27Luke 24: 13-27 (NIV) During Advent we focus on the appearance, arrival or coming of God. We worship a God who came in person to save us. A God who entered into his own creation in the most humble way. These events were planned and foretold in the Old Testament, just as Jesus' return is promised in the New. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Psalm 96Psalm 96 (NIV) Advent is a time of looking forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. But it's also a time of watching and waiting with hopeful anticipation for Jesus' second coming. Our hope is based on the fact that Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead, and to restore the whole of creation.

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Jeremiah 32: 1-15 Jeremiah 32: 1-15 (NIV)Jeremiah's prophecies are coming to pass. Jerusalem has been besieged by the Babylonians. But even though the nation is facing such turmoil, God assures Jeremiah, and the people of Judah, that all is not lost. God still has a plan for his people. 

by Rev Charle Lacey | Jeremiah 31: 31-34Jeremiah 31: 31-34 (NIV)So far, we've seen that the people of Judah found themselves in exile in Babylon because they consistently rebelled against God.  Notwithstanding, God had a plan for his rebellious people.  A plan that would enable them to live in covenant relationship with him, even though they were incapable of keeping his holy laws. That plan came to fruition in and through Jesus.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Jeremiah 29: 1-14 Jeremiah 29: 1-14 (NIV)The prophet Jeremiah urged the people of Judah to turn back to God and so avoid the impending disaster. When they did not repent, God eventually allowed the Babylonians to take them into captivity. But even in captivity, God continued to love his people, to speak to them, and to guide them in how to live. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Jeremiah 25: 1-29 Jeremiah 25: 1-29 (NIV)Sometimes people complain that there's too much wrath and judgement in the Old Testament.  However, if we do not understand God's wrath and judgement, then we cannot understand his mercy and salvation. 

By Dr Bernie Power |  Jeremiah 9: 23 – 10: 16 Jeremiah 9: 23 – 10: 16 (NIV)Dr Bernie Power (Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations Lecturer at Melbourne School of Theology) has spent four decades working with Muslims in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. He has a deep heart to help Christians and Muslims understand more about each other and what they believe.  On Sunday he preached part three of our Jeremiah series, titled, God vs. Idols.Dr Bernie Power (Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations Lecturer at Melbourne School of Theology) has spent four decades working with Muslims in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. He has a deep heart to help Christians and Muslims understand more about each other and what they believe.  On Sunday he preached part three of our Jeremiah series, titled, God vs. Idols.

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Jeremiah 7: 1-15  Jeremiah 7: 1-15  (NIV) In Jeremiah's day, the people of Judah had completely rebelled against God, because they were putting their trust in anything but God. They felt secure even though they were heading for disaster, and they continued to reject the one who wanted so much to bless them. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Jeremiah 1: 1-19  Jeremiah 1: 1-19 (NIV) We have a message to take to the world. We may not feel up to the job. Our message may not always be well received. But the Lord has called us, and we must be obedient – knowing and trusting that God will equip, protect and strengthen us. 

By Rev Trevor Adams | John 16: 19-24 John 16:19-24 (NIV) Mild shock, brain stopped five long seconds one day. In the church office cupboard I came across the smiling face of Jesus in a sketch picture! I had never ever seen this before! The Joy of Jesus? Really? 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  John 8: 2-11  John 8: 2-11 (NIV) We're continuing with our three-part mini-series called, ‘The Fruit of the Spirit'. Last week we looked at patience – and this week we considered gentleness. What does true gentleness look like, and how does it impact the way that we live our lives? 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | John 2:1-11John 2:1-11 (NIV)The main purpose of the Christian life is to become more like Jesus.  The fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5, are traits that Jesus has in abundance.  Today we looked at the Patience of Jesus.  We also baptised Raymond, who was due to join the army the very next day.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 12: 1-14  Matthew 12: 1-14 (NIV) In recent weeks, we've been attempting to answer the question, ‘What does it mean to be human?', and last week, we saw that God has given us the task of ruling over creation and caring for it on his behalf. In other words, to be human is to work in partnership with God and one another. But life isn't just work, there's also rest, and we need to understand God's intention for that too. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Genesis 1: 27-31 & Genesis 2: 15-24Genesis 1: 27-31 & Genesis 2: 15-24 (NIV)Today we had the penultimate talk in our ‘Being Human' series.  So far we have seen that God created us to be: physical, rational, emotional, communal, relational and sexual.  We have also been given useful work to do.  Most of us spend a significant portion of our lives working, so it's important to understand this aspect of our humanity from a biblical perspective.

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Matthew 19: 1-12  Matthew 19: 1-12 (NIV)Today was week seven of our ‘Being Human' series. We were talking about something that is often misunderstood and misrepresented; sometimes controversial; and always countercultural, namely the Christian view of marriage and sex. 

By Rev Trevor Adams |  Mark 10: 29-31  Mark 10: 29-31 (NIV) Last week, as part of our ‘Being Human' series, we saw that we have been created to live in community. But we can't have a successful community unless we interact with one another in a positive way. If the church is going to thrive, we need to nurture close relationships and friendships. To read Rev'd Kaye Pitman's Sermon please follow the link below (please note we have no control over the link below)https://anotherplacetoparty.net/?p=880 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Acts 2: 42-47 Acts 2: 42-47  (NIV)Today we had our International Service and the baptisms of Zarah and Zoey. So far in our 'Being Human' series, we've seen that we have been created to be physical, rational and emotional. Today, appropriately on International Sunday, we focussed on the fact that God has created us to be communal. 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Psalm 42  Psalm 42 (NIV) So far in our 'Being Human' series we've looked at the physical and mental aspects of our humanity and today we looked at the emotional. As Christians, we recognise that it's not healthy to give free reign to our emotions – but equally, it's not healthy to repress them. So how do we strike the right balance? 

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Philippians 4: 1-9 Philippians 4: 1-9 (NIV)We are integral beings.  Mind body and Spirit are meshed together.  Last week, we focussed on our physical bodies.  Today we're looking at the mind.  Jesus is the perfect example of humanity – and so we should aim to have the mind of Christ.

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Genesis 2: 4-9 Genesis 2: 4-9 (NIV)Today was week two of our ‘Being Human' series, and we can't possibly answer the question, ‘What does it mean to be human', without considering our physicality. We live in a real physical world and we have real physical bodies; so what is the Christian understanding of the body? 

By Rev Charlie Lacey |  Genesis 1: 27 – 2: 2 and 3: 1-12  Genesis 1: 27 – 2: 2 and 3: 1-12 (NIV) How are we to understand our humanity in light of Biblical truth? This is what we'll be looking at over the next 9 weeks, through our new series, 'Being Human.' Today we established a framework that will help us to better understand every aspect of our humanity: Created, Broken, Redeemed.

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 28: 16-20Matthew 28: 16-20 (NIV)This is the final part of our short series based on Matthew's Gospel.  Week one, we looked at Jesus calling his first disciples – ‘Follow me'.  Last week, we looked at how Jesus offers to lighten our burdens -‘Come to Me'.  And this week we looked at the ‘Great Commission” – when Jesus commanded his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world – ‘Go for me.'  

By Rev Bev Bell | Matthew 11: 28-30Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)To be yoked with Jesus means that he shares our burdens of life, and walks with us and helps us carry our loads and worries. He is God with us – the human face of God – May we lean on him and learn from him and find Gods love, grace and forgiveness.