Merri Creek Anglican: Recent Episodes
Merri Creek Anglican
[Beck Miller] Discipleship in a secular age: From consumer to mission - Matthew 5:13-16 (26th July 2026)
In this sermon, Peter preaches from 1 Samuel 3 about the exhausting weight of living as though everything depends on us, and invites us to move from responsibility (the burden of controlling and managing life) to response-ability (the freedom of listening and responding to God). Through Samuel’s call, Peter shows that faith is not something we manufacture or achieve, but something we receive as we stop, expect God to speak, and learn to listen together. Ultimately, Jesus carries the weight we cannot bear, freeing us to lay down our anxious self-management and pray with Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
The psalms teach us to draw near to God in prayer through all the variations of life. (final in the series)
It's hard to admit our hearts have a problem- we look at psalm 51 to learn the practice of confession
In the secular age, faith may be experienced as spiritual deadness of life curved in on itself, but we are called to the new life that comes through union with Christ.
Peter speaks from this psalm of David about moving from the illusion of self-sufficiency to the humble recognition of our creaturely limits before God.
In a supernova age, the gospel will always produce varied responses — mockery, curiosity, and faith.
The gospel neither withdraws from nor blends into the “supernova” — it engages and reorients it.
What does it mean to share the same heart as Jesus? It is one of compassion. Tom French preaches on Jesus' compassion towards His people
What comes to mind when you hear Jesus sigh? Beck preaches on this unique emotion of Jesus, and who it points to His desire to make all things new
What do you think of when you hear about the emotions of Jesus? Have you considered amazement? Beck M preaches on the emotions of Jesus
Reflecting with joyful anticipation, Amy explores the meaning and hope of the fourth week of Advent.
Exploring the Angel's song, we reflect on joyful hope, peace, and expectation in the third week of Advent
In this Second Sunday of Advent, Beck preaches from Luke 1 about Zechariah and Elizabeth, and how it fits into the wider story of God's redemptive plan.
God used to dwell in a physical temple, but He now dwells in something more beautiful... Peter preaches on the Ezekial 43
What does it mean to receive a new heart? Rob unpacks what it means for us Christians to have a new heart.
This Halloween week we come to Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones and hear God's call to trust and hope in Jesus for the life of the Spirit in us and this world.
Tom takes us to the lowest point of Ezekiel, where God condemns the leaders of Israel, and then into the promise of a Good Shepherd for the future
In our second week in Ezekiel, Peter speaks about the judgement and love of God and the embodied nature of Ezekiel's ministry.
Humans are all created to worship. The question is who or what are we worshipping? Peter preaches on the joy of pursuing our Creator
What joy is to be found in humility? Peter explores that the upside down nature of God's Kingdom
What does joy in partnership look like? Tom Cooper preaches from the book of Philippians
What does living for eternity look like? Beck explores this concept to close off the sermon series.
What would eternity with God look like? Beck explores the life that never ends with Christ.
Beck explores God’s promise of ultimate restoration through the New Heavens and New Earth—hope, renewal, and eternal peace.
What happens when we die, and before our resurrected bodies? Peter explores what happens in the in-between time.
The King Is Coming - this is good news for those who belong to His Kingdom. Tom explores the idea of God as King and Judge
As Christians, we believe we are more than dust; we aremade in God’s image. Peter explores the eternal hope found in Christ's return, and of our new and restored bodies.
Why does death feel so wrong? Perhaps it was not part of God's intended design for humanity, but there is more to the story..
What does it mean to go as the same pace as Jesus? Amy explores what Christlike productivity looks like
What must we do to partake in the divine nature? Rather, the divine nature is given to us. We are to put our faith in the One who was fully human, and fully divine.
Peter explores God's promise in Haggai, revealing Zerubbabel as His chosen signet ring—symbolising divine authority, restoration, and God’s faithful plan for His people.
Where is our greatest hope found? It is found in no building or temple, but in a person.
Where are your priorities? Are they in "panelled homes", or in God who provides all things? Peter explores this idea in the Book of Haggai
Christ's sacrificial death on the cross redeemed humanity from the wilderness of sin, offering salvation and guiding believers from spiritual desolation to divine connection and eternal life.
Tom's sermon "Quarrelling in the Wilderness" points to Christians' struggles with doubt, division, and disobedience during spiritual journeys, echoing Israel's desert wanderings, and contrasting it with Christ's time in the desert
In the wilderness, God shapes you - refining, strengthening, preparing. Through trials and solitude, He forms your heart, deepens your faith, and makes you new.
Lost and forsaken in the wilderness, you wander alone—but Jesus is searching for you. His light pierces the darkness, His love calls you home. You are never truly abandoned.
God calls us into the wilderness for growth, testing, dependence on Him, and preparation for greater purpose and spiritual renewal.
How can we use our assets, time, and resources to serve others, trusting God’s provision to build His Kingdom, even in wilderness seasons?
Christ has the power to make things new. Beck explores what it means to be a new creation in Christ
What does it mean to be a worker for God? Who is our example? Mark explores where we find our hope and joy being God's workers.
Jesus' teaching ministry was accompanied with his healing ministry. Why is that so? Peter explores the passage of Matthew 9:18-34
"Who is this man?" Beck explores the idea who Jesus is - He is not simply a teacher, or a good moral leader; He is God.
Jesus calls a wide range of people to build His Kingdom. Why would Jesus do this? Peter preaches on Jesus calling the unlikely.
Have we truly counted the cost of following Jesus? Rob Miller preaches on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
The message of hope resonates through a vision of unity, where faith bridges divides and empowers healing. By embracing humility and fostering mutual respect, Peter preaches how we can walk together as one, sharing in the hope of a future shaped by justice, grace, and love.
Jesus physically healed people - how does this point to his divinity? Beck explores why Jesus came to this world as the Messiah and the great healer.
Where does our hope lie? Is it in governments, leaders and ideas? Tom French preaches on our where we must put our ultimate hope - which is found in Jesus.
Chris Porter reflects on the divine message of hope and joy inspired by the carol "The First Noel."
Christmas is upon us. As Christians, what does it mean to "Tell It On The Mountain"? Peter explores how Christians can meaningfully engage with friends and family about the Christmas story
What do you say to yourself when you wake up? Is it the same things our God, the Creator and Lord, says about you? Beck shares the beautiful truths of His children in Psalm 103
God's name holds all power and authority, yet He has lowered Himself for a moment for our sake? Why would an all powerful God do this? Peter explores why an all powerful God would humble Himself for His glory, and for our good.
If worshipping God does not change you, do we really know who we are worshipping? Peter explores what does it mean to worship God as Lord?
Who is the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit shaping your life right now? Beck Miller explores the companion we all have in Christ - the Holy Spirit
We live in a life full of distractions. How can we possibly keep our focus on Christ? Peter preaches on how we worship a God. who keeps His focus on His children.
There are disciples; there is making disciples; and there is making disciple makers. Beck shares what it means to step into the commission.
As Christians, we are considered holy in Christ, and set apart from the world - yet we are called to engage with it. Peter explores how Christians can effectively engage with our culture.
In the world, but not of the world - what does this mean for you? Rob Miller explores what it means to be contrasting presence in a secular age.
In a world that is seemingly more technologically advanced, why do we at times feel so isolated? Tom Cooper explores what it means to commit to community.
There is a great reward now, and that is coming, for believers in Jesus. But it comes at a cost. Beck Miller explores the cost and reward for being a follower of Jesus.
Does Jesus wait for us to be qualified enough as Christians before calling us? Jesus calls Christians to follow Him, much like He did with the first disciples. Peter explores what it means to be called by Jesus.
God created the world, and it was good. But we look around now and ask: "What happened it to?" Peter will explore how Creation will be fully restored and redeemed through the power of Jesus.
Our own local Mission. Peter speaks about Merri Creek Anglican's 3 strategic priorities in light of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12: A flourishing Youth MInistry, Urban Discipleship and a permanent home for our Clifton HIll Congregation.
Jo Knight CEO shares with us the work of Anglican Overseas Aid, and encourages us to engage with the kingdom work of serving the poor.
Richard shares with us about the work of Prison Fellowship Victoria and reminds us that we all need Jesus the Bread of Life.
In Christ, we become a new creation. How does a new creation compel others to follow Christ? Beck explores this in Titus 3.
What does it mean to be part of a godly household? Tom French unpacks the idea of how even our households can bring God glory.
Who is qualified to lead the local church? Is anyone in this world good enough to be called to church leadership? Peter explores Paul's letter to Titus about church leadership.
Why does God allow chaos, behemoth and leviathan to live with His creation? What hope does His children have against such forces? Peter unpacks who God is, and where our hope is found in the midst of suffering.
At times in our life, we are called by God to a life of adventure. In other times, we are called by God to a life of suffering. In both lives, how can we still bring glory to Him? Peter will be unpacking the mystery of suffering in the Book of Job
Humans explore as high as space, and dig deep into the earth to discover truth. But where does wisdom come from? Beck shares where true wisdom can be found in the Book of Job.
Bishop Geneva talks about the importance of reconciliation through Jesus. Where do you see reconciliation most needed in your life today?
Everyone suffers or will suffer. How are we to care for a friend who is experiencing great suffering? The second sermon in our series on Job.
Everyone suffers or will suffer. How are we to respond in relation to God when the securities of this world are taken away from us? The first sermon in our series on Job.
The final sermon in this series, Peter speaks about these hard sayings of Jesus, and encourages us to be like the person who builds his/her house on the rock.
Without God's help we cannot live the life of love Jesus calls us to. So he exhorts us to pray persistently in the knowledge that God hears and answers our prayers
As we near the end of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks strongly to us about not being judgemental but relating in humility and with discernment in all our relationships
We live in a culture where many of us suffer from anxiety and worry. But Jesus says "Do Not Worry"! How is this even possible? Peter unpacks Jesus teaching and encourages us to lean into the grace and strength of God in a world where we are not in control.
Peter continues our series on The Sermon on the Mount with the three sayings of Jesus about treasure in Heaven and the importance of an undivided heart.
Rob proclains the good news of Easter Sunday- Jesus is alive , and we are forever changed!
Peter speaks about the story of Palm Sunday when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and is welcomed as God's promised King.
Jesus says to practice your devotional life in private and not show off your righteousness to others. But is that really our problem in western secular culture in 2024? What are the challenges for us as we desire to draw near to God, and how can we cultivate wonder and imagination in an era where the spiritual realm is rarely imagined or trusted.
Love for enemies is the non negotiable and high call of Jesus to us in this part of the Sermon on the Mount- and it lies at the heart of the christian message. But how can we activate this in our faith when it is so hard to do?
In this message from the sermon on the mount Peter focusses on the challenging words of Jesus along with other bible passages about the topic of marriage, divorce and remarriage - and speaks to the complexities and questions we may have today.
Tom speaks about the 5 star righteousness that Jesus lived out in regards to anger, and he invites us to learn from him, laying down anger and seeking reconciliation.
In this topical sermon Peter speaks from Paul's writing to the Corinthian church to encourage and remind us to give joyfully from the heart, knowing that it is God who pours out his grace upon us.
These key verses in the Sermon on the Mount speak of Jesus who fulfils all we read in the Old Testament and whose perfect righteousness becomes our own.
We continue on in the Sermon on the mount with these classic images Jesus uses to describe his followers. But what fears or concerns do we have about standing out in this world? Peter inspires us to think about what it looks like to be Jesus transformative presence in the world.
The final in our series on the Beatitudes and falls of the week we mark Aboriginal Sunday. Peter speaks about the need for peacemakers in these lands we call Australia, in the interest of justice for first nations peoples, and tells stories of those who have already been a part of the story of reconciliation.
Beck continues our series on human flourishing with the next two beatitudes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount in Matthews gospel.“ Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Emma continues our series on human flourishing with the next two beatitudes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount in Matthews gospel.“ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Emma begins our series on human flourishing with the first two beatitudes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount in Matthews gospel. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted”
The best present we can receive at Christmas is Jesus.He is the expression of Gods amazing love for us.
To see the glory of God is life altering, and we have seen it in Jesus. Because we believe in him we can persevere in the faith.
What does it mean for Jesus' followers to be born again and to shine like stars in the world? Beck speaks from Paul's letter to the Philippians and talks about taking along look at Jesus to inspire humilty and unity in the church .
As we continue on in our Advent series Beck invites us to lament the darkness of our world, and to look and long for the light breaking in through Jesus.
The first in our 2023 Advent series "Light of the World", Emma speaks about the wonder of the incarnation.
In this final Song of Songs sermon Peter unpacks the most sexually explicit passage in the whole Bible. The desire of one man for one woman in marriage is a beautiful thing and speaks to our collective desire for an even better husband- Christ for the church.
What makes for a good marriage partnership? And what makes a person attractive? Song of Songs has wisdom for us about what healthy intimate relationships look like, and how as a church we can support each other to be discerning in love.
Peter explores song 9 of Song of Songs- where the young woman longs and looks for her lover, bringing him home to her mother's house. How does this story / fantasy speak to our own longings for intimacy with another, and even our longing for the love of God?
The first in our series on Song of Songs, Peter speaks about the goodness of our sexuality and desire, and reminds us of the intense love God has for us.
In the final of this series, we are reminded of how powerful Jesus is by looking at the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
The final in our Love your Neighbour series, Naomi Chua from Embrace Sanctuary Australia shares her work of connecting churches with newly arrived refugees in Australia. WIth this in mind she encourages us to heed the Shema of Deuteronomy - Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind and love your neighbour as yourself.
David Chan from City Bible Forum Melbourne joins us at Clifton Hill this week to talk about Love for our neighbours at work. David talks about the meaning and value of our work and encourages us not to to neither look for our fulfillment and purpose in our work, nor regard it as nothing- but rather to see our work as God given and an opportunity to worship God and serve and support others.
The third in our Encounters with Jesus series, Mavis explores the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well as a picture of what it looks like to encounter and trust Jesus - the God who knows and loves us. How will this story draw us nearer to God and receive the living water he offers?
the second in this series Encounters with Jesus, Emma speaks from John's gospel - the Raising of Lazarus and encourages us to understand and live in the light of God's presence with us through Jesus Christ by his Spirit.
The first sermon in our Clifton Hill series "Love you Neighbour" is by Rev Kirsty Brown who is an aged care chaplain. Kirsty encourages us to step out and love the elderly in our community as people precious to God and often in need of companionship and hope.
The first in our Fairfield congregation series "Encounters with Jesus" Peter speaks from Luke ch 8 inviting us to step into relationship with Jesus.
The final in our series Prophets of Power, Peter speaks from 2 Kings 5, the story of Namaan and the faithful slave girl, and the prophet Elisha who is so like Jesus.
2 Kings 4 reveals the compassion of God through his prophet Elisha. Peter encourages us to likewise be God's people of compassion.
What are we here for? What does it mean to be called from death to life & to follow Jesus until death? Tom dives into these big questions with us through the story of Elijah passing on to Elisha the on the call to be Gods prophet.
Peter uses this story from 1 Kings where God ministers to Elisha , to speak into our own experiences of mental illness. We can lean into our faith and the church in seasons of depression and anxiety.
The first sermon in a series on Elijah and Elisha; Prophets with Power. Peter explores the story of Elijah's call and obedience in seeking support from the poor widow of Zarephath. How does this help us to know the power of Jesus in our own lives and stick with our faith?
In our final sermon in this series "Grace you can see" the Sacraments and the Christian Life, Patrick speaks about Holy Communion and how we are to celebrate and be sustained by it as we remember Gods grace to us in Jesus.
Peter talks about baptism in this second sermon in our series “Grace You Can See”: The Sacraments in the Christian Life. The sermon is structured around questions from Peter's young son about baptism: What does it mean? What about the location and "stuff' of baptism? Who can be baptised? Who should do the baptising and more.
The first in a three part series about the sacraments, Patrick helps us to see baptism and communion as the visible signs of the invisible reality of God's grace and love for us in Jesus.
Peter brings us this years sermon of general lament. We can cry out to God in our pain and with our questions . And we can hope.
Emma unpacks the final lines of the Lord's prayer encouraging us to go to God in repentance and receive his grace daily. What would our community look like if we understood and practiced confession and forgiveness?
Peter continues in our series on the Lords' prayer- What does it mean to ask for our daily bread? How does this request open us up to God's provision and to serving others ? Can we expect to receive everything we need? What is actually promised?
Continuing in this series, Beck speaks about 3 ways we can pray the lines " Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven" - in Lament, by Intercession, as a prayer of formation when we lay aside our agenda and allow God to shape us according to His will.
Why do we struggle to pray and how do we know we can draw near and trust God in prayer?Beck begins this series "Praying in the Pattern of Jesus" with the first line of the Lord's prayer "Our Father in Heaven" .
Peter teaches us about the significance of Pentecost and the work of the Spirit in our lives and the church.
Rob finishes this series on the Cross on the world asking the questions - What doe sit mean for us to glory in the cross? And how is it that we are now dead to the world and the world is dead to us once we are in Christ?
The bible explains what the cross achieves for us by using many different images/motifs. Rob describes 8 of them from Colossians and helps us to see how they might help us as we relate to God and share the good news of the gospel with others.
Rob begins this 3 part series "The Cross and the World" by introducing and bringing together the 2 doctrines of the Cross and the World . What does the Cross reveal to us about our lives and this world God made?
Patrick to continues to encourage us from Colossians 3 about the truth and power of the resurrection.
Tom speaks about the ending of Mark's gospel that leaves us at the empty tomb with the angels command- do not be afraid! But still they are! (and are we?) A reminder of the faithfulness and power of Jesus in his death and resurrection, and why we have good reason to have faith over fear.
Jess tells the story of the first Palm Sunday and examines the expectations people had of Jesus as the promised Messiah. She asks us to examine our own expectations of the triumphant King Jesus in our world today. Are they big enough?
Tom finishes off this series helping us to understand who Satan is, the threat he poses to our faith, and then how the armour of God will help us to stand against him.
What would it look like if our close relationships told the story of Jesus and the church? In this passage about the 1st century household we see Paul address the power dynamics and exhorts the one powerful man to lay down his power to serve others like Jesus and the vulnerable people to submit as if to Christ. How will these principles work in our culture?
Paul exhorts the church to grow into maturity together. Beck explores the 3 key ways outlines in the passage : to be humble towards one another, to do whatever possible to maintain unity, and to give and receive the gifts given to the church by the Lord Jesus.
What do you prayers reveal about you? And what can we learn from the way Paul prays. Peter takes us through this magnificent prayer at the end of Ephesians 3 which captures the fulness of resurrection life.
Living the resurrection life means belonging to a new society where old divisions no longer apply. Peter helps us see how this will shift our focus from ourselves to seeking peace and welcome for others.
In Ephesians 2 Paul gives us a panoramic view of our life before and after we came to Christ. And the difference is stark. We have moved from Death to Resurrection Life. But how does this big picture view help us to live out this new life? Beck points out two things we see about God and one thing we see about ourselves when we step back and remember how we have been saved.
Peter begins our series sermon in Ephesians by calling on us to see that in Christ Jesus we have everything we need to live our lives as his people.
Beck speaks about the Psalms of ascent in our series on the Songs Jesus sang. How do these songs about going to Jerusalem and the temple relate to our experience as Christians today? And what would it look like if our church gatherings were our happiest place in the week?
In this second week of Advent, Beck encourages us to hope in the second coming of Jesus, knowing that God is gracious and faithful to his promises .
Patrick begins our Advent series by encouraging us to be ready for Jesus' return. To cast off the darkness and put on the armour of light.
Beck encourages us to activate our faith together, in the midst of our suffering, by practicing lament. The psalms help us learn to do this.
In this sermon Emma Wyndham Chalmers (MCA congregation member and Director of Advocacy at Tearfund Australia) speaks to us about why climate justice matters to our discipleship.
Grace is the special sauce of mission. See how the story of Zacchaeus gives us five reasons this is true.
In the second sermon of our "Understanding Your Calling..." series, Beck explores the topic of the Household.
Peter concludes are summer series on The Ministry of Jesus by exploring the story of Martha and Mary, and how this effects our lives as Christians.
Continuing in our Mission of Jesus series, Patrick looks at the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10.
Continuing in our The Mission of Jesus series, Rob looks at the sending out of the 72 in Luke 10.
Continuing in our The Mission of Jesus series, Pete explores the topic of No Turning Back from Luke 9.
Beck starts our summer series on The Mission of Jesus, exploring the topic of gearing up for mission in Luke 9.
Beginning our Christmas Series for 2021, Peter looks at the Good News preached by John the Baptist in Luke 3.
[Tom French] Jesus Calls Peter Satan (Matthew 16: 13-28)05.12.21 by Merri Creek Anglican
Concluding our series in the book of James, Peter explores how Christians should not plan for the future as if they are in complete control of their own lives but should consistently make a healthy allowance for God’s sovereignty.
Continuing in our James series, Beck looks at the importance of the words we use from James 3 & 4.
Continuing in our series in James, Rob explores the concept that our faith is demonstrated by our works.
Continuing in our James series, Patrick explores discrimination and how we should be fair to all.
This week Beck continues our series in the Book of James, looking at how Christians should respond to God’s Word with obedient listening, careful speech, and a humble demeanour.
LINK TO VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ThOVA9X6zOw
In the final sermon from our Simple Spirituality series, Pete explores how rest is not selfish, it's sacred, and a gift.
LINK TO SERMON SLIDES: https://tinyurl.com/3dkcrdyz
In the fourth of our Simple Spirituality series, Beck looks at at how we serve one another and God through house work.
LINK TO SERMON SLIDES: tinyurl.com/bykappm
In the third of our Simple Spirituality series, Peter looks at the discipleship of technology and how we should master of devices and not let them master us.
LINK TO SERMON SLIDES: https://tinyurl.com/3yyfx6ty
In the second of our Simple Spirituality series, Beck discusses our physical and spiritual nourishment, sharing from our abundance in Christ.
In this new series on Simple Spirituality, Peter looks at how we as Disciples of Jesus relate with our body
How do we experience God? Continuing in John 14, Peter looks at different way in which we experience God.
Who is the Advocate? In this sermon, Peter further explores John 14 to understand the Advocate and it's role.
Peter explores some of the most famous words that Jesus says from John 14 "I am the way and the truth and the life."
What happens when we die? Where do we go? In this sermon, Peter explores Heaven from John 14!
What is true Christian love? In this sermon, Peter explores Christian love while learning from Jesus’ dodgy friends!
How would you grow a movement? How do we follow Jesus Christ in helping others find faith and flourish? In this sermon Beck Miller looks at foot-washing as the means by which help others find faith and flourish in Christ. Foot washing is counterintuitive & countercultural but it is also a means of pastoral care, discipleship & blessing.
How does Jesus to love us? Beck Miller looks at Jesus washing feet and highlights the importance of allowing Jesus to wash us if we want to have a part with him. We can allow Jesus to come close by admitting our need for Jesus, asking his help, and receiving his grace. The Examen prayer is one resource to help us.
Whose glory do we seek? Whose praise do we love? Are we willing to follow Jesus and accept the type of glory he offers us? In this sermon, from the end of John 12, Flyck Clift looks at what active belief looks like, what it means for God to harden peoples hearts, and some practical ways we can value God’s word in our day to day living.
Patrick Senn continues the John series looking at the momentous occasion in history which changed life forever. The hour that Jesus is glorified through his death and resurrection is the hour he makes a way to draw us through our suffering and into glory with him.
Continuing in the gospel of John, Peter looks at popularity and what it means to be a Christian when Jesus is unpopular. Friendship can accommodate views which don’t like Jesus to build trust but accommodating other views is not the same as conforming to them. The truth is that opposition is to be expected in faith, but through it we draw nearer to Christ and know more of God’s resurrection power.
In this final sermon in the Micah series Beck Miller looks at Micah 7 which shows us how to respond to devastating news. In responding to injustice and suffering Micah shows us how to lament, to exercise our faith, and to build our hope on the promises of God, who is abundantly merciful.
Pursuit of an ‘authentic life’ has become important in our culture today, but what do Christians look at to determine who we are and how to live this authentic life? God tells Israel in Micah, and Beck Miller encourages us, to look at God who has liberated us in many ways and ultimately through Jesus Christ and who has established us as his people to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly.
Here Patrick Senn preaches on Micah 3.5 - 4.5 looking at the major demolition and renovation required in God’s house. Micah calls out the rot beneath the shiny façade highlighting the greed and injustice being perpetrated by God’s people. He reminds God’s people that while renovation is hard, it is done through the Holy Spirit and for the purpose of creating more beautiful room for God. We, too, are called to confess the areas in our lives which need demolishing, inviting and trusting God to rebuild them.
Peter preaches on Pentecost, reminding us that Pentecost shows God to be the great leveller, empowering all those who call on the Lord and have faith in Jesus. There are no imposters in God’s kingdom, instead every Christian has received the Holy Spirit who enables and strengthens lives which powerfully glorify God.
In this final week of the Vision series Peter looks at how and why the church can inspire creatives. Our mission as Christians is sharpened and our worship in enriched through valuing creativity for its own sake and through encouraging creatives to see how their work can glorify God. Without watering-down the gospel or beating down others, Christians can follow Paul in making connections between culture and God which show God to be the ultimate creative who willingly, lovingly suffers for the sake of his art.
Many people seek spiritual nourishment, but how do we know when we are being spiritually nourished? Here Peter says that spiritual nourishment rightly understood is found in Jesus Christ and will be reflected in growing obedience to Jesus Christ, desires which align with God’s desires, finding meaning and significance everyday, and taking courageous steps of faith.
In this second sermon in the vision series for 2021 Peter encourages us towards being people who transform the world into the Kingdom of God starting in our own household. Christians can bring the kingdom as peacemakers who show love, generosity and hospitality to others, through God’s power made available by Jesus, not by the idols of leisure we so often seek.
Peter opens the Vision series for this year looking at how we can cultivate an open and charitable dialogue with the ‘no-religion’ tribes in our area. We are encouraged to have a responsive ministry which requires wisdom in taking opportunities to share our faith in an attractive manner. This will include gracious action and humility along with gospel confidence, as Jesus Christ has perfectly modelled.
Having remembered Jesus Christ’ resurrection, Flyck Clift looks at what the resurrected life looks like for Christians today. In understanding our position in relation to God and knowing the benefits of such a position we are free to explore a life of good works. Through good works we realise the fullness of our resurrected lives as God intended through Christ.
This Easter, in the climate of grief over the continuing revelation of abuses against women, we are reminded by Patrick Senn of God's wisdom displayed in Jesus’ resurrection. At the resurrection God shows his love for women, and through women to everyone, by making them the heralds of his extraordinary news.: Jesus has been raised to new life. and has overcome the power of evil. Jesus' resurrection stands in history, not as a quick fix to our problems, but as the source of our lasting hope in this life and for life to come.
This Good Friday, 2021, Beck Miller encourages us to think of the story of Jesus Christ’s death - not as a tragedy but as a great love story, which we are each invited to step into.
Peter preaches on one of the trickier passages of 1 Corinthians looking at excommunication and how the church is to respond to immorality among its members. Does the church respond to immorality within it by excommunicating immoral Christians, just like when a child is sent to ‘time-out’? Peter discusses how the church is to pursue holiness, and points to Jesus Christ's excommunication on our behalf.
In this sermon Peter asks two important questions: Who is watching your behaviour, and Whose virtue are you signalling? When people look at you do they see a virtuous life which imitates the cross-shaped life of Christ? 1 Corinthians tells us that we learn to imitate Christ by imitating the apostles who live out gospel power through imitating Christ in humility and self-sacrifice.
Today, in the 1 Corinthian series, Peter continues to teach about true Christian spirituality as presented by the apostle Paul. Here, Paul is using the example of good ministry leaders to encourage the church towards maturity. Just as good ministry leaders will be servants, will build using imperishable materials, and will have Jesus as their judge, so too will the mature Christian seek to follow Jesus' example as servant leader.
Continuing the 1 Corinthians series, Peter talks about how to be wise, how to be spiritual, how to be smart. If we are to learn something from the Corinthians it is that, instead of getting ahead of ourselves, we should build our spiritual practices on the one true God. It is in God that authentic wisdom, spirituality and spiritual knowledge are found, and these are generously given by God to those who humbly accept ity.
In this sermon Peter sets out to persuade us to pursue God’s wisdom rather than worldly wisdom. This persuasion comes in the form of an invitation to foolishness: to accept a foolish message, to live a foolish life, and to listen to a foolish teacher. The benefit of doing so is that as we stand in awe of God’s wisdom – displayed in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection – we are choosing life and goodness and the love of God.
Peter introduces us to a new sermon series in 1 Corinthians. In this letter to a messed up church we are told that God’s grace, while not cheap, is not dependent on our behaviour but on our relationship to Jesus Christ. Through Jesus God’s grace is available to messed up churches and messed up individuals. No matter how we struggle in life God is powerful to work in our lives.
In continuing the sermon series on the kingdom parables Tom French explains how a gift can be free & still have a cost. The Kingdom of Heaven is free for all but this does not mean that gaining the kingdom is without cost to us. In these parables Jesus asks us: do we recognize the value of his kingdom, the cost of following him, and the joy of gaining Christ as our brother?
[Peter Carolane] Kingdom Parables: The Mustard Seed & the Yeast (Matt 13:21-25) 17.01.21 by Merri Creek Anglican
In this sermon, Flyck Clift looks at how the fiery judgment presented in the parable of the Weeds is truly encouraging, both for people inside and outside the church. Absolute judgment at the end of the ages testifies to God’s patience & justice, encourages us to be non-judgmental now, calls people to the anti-evil act of bearing good fruit, and offers assurance that Jesus is the perfectly worthy & loving judge.
Beck Miller kicks off 2021 & a sermon series on the Kingdom parables with the parable of the Sower. The kingdom parables invite us to examine our hearts in order to see how our agenda aligns with God’s agenda. Beck reminds us that God’s way of sowing into the kingdom is to scatter wide, knowing that not all seed will grow to fruit. & Even with apparent good growth, society requires the word and grace of Jesus Christ for true & lasting transformation to occur.
In this advent sermon Peter continues looking at joy in the Christian life. Looking at Mary’s song in Luke we learn that joy comes through knowing that God has saved us from the consequences of our own hurtful actions through the forgiveness brought by Jesus. Reflecting on God’s marvelous acts leads to rejoicing in our Creator and Savior.
In this first sermon in this new series on joy, Flyck looks at how life with God enables a unique experience of joy. Life with God gives us a unique understanding of where joy can be found through securing our identity in Christ, connecting us humbly to community, and through giving us clear perspective on where meaning, beauty and goodness in life can be found.
In this sermon Peter looks at discipleship, encouraging us to give our best to Jesus. Peter looks at two extremes, the selfless devotion of one woman and self-righteousness and religious selfishness, and challenges us to think about how extravagant our devotion to Jesus is, and also to consider how we respond to the extravagant devotion shown by others.
Beck Miller preaches about the phenomenal sign in John 11 - the raising of Lazarus - & about letting Jesus be the hero of our story. Is Jesus heroic? Well, he is powerful to give life, he is compassionate - weeping with Mary even though he can see the good he is going to do - and he acts even though it leads to his own persecution and death. Do you think these are heroic qualities?
Peter looks at a very familiar image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In particular, Peter looks at the mission of the good shepherd to die, to defeat death and to create the church. Such a mission makes the good shepherd beautiful and noble and promotes confidence to listen to his voice.
In this sermon Flyck Clift looks at the works of God displayed in a blind man who receives sight. This account from John 9 shows that God's works are inclusive, empowering, truth-telling, worship-inspiring, and centred on Jesus Christ.
Tom French relaunches our epic John series, looking at the truth that will set us free. As Tom looks at the idea of truth that sets us free he asks a crucial question: Will we allow who Jesus is to inform who we are or will we let our view of ourselves define who we think Jesus is?
In the third of this vision series Peter reminds us that the Church exists “to make little Christs.” When a church is mature every member of that church recognises that they have a role using their God-given gifts to help grow God’s kingdom.
In this second Vision talk, Peter looks at why church planting needs Holy Spirit power. Church planting requires a huge labour of love in planning, financing, gathering, unifying and transforming people into a church community. Looking at 1 Thessalonians, we see that the Holy Spirit does this by bringing conviction and power, and by giving people joy as our faith grows and we experience God working powerfully through and round us.
[Peter Carolane] Vision: Why Church Planting is Worth Suffering For (2 Cor 11:12-33) 04.10.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
In this final sermon in the Esther series Peter presents a topsy-turvy story-ending, both for Esther & for us. Esther foreshadows Christ in presenting a movement from pending annihilation to salvation, then to eternal peace. Peter also considers how we understand the violence of Esther’s story in relation to God’s providence, and looks at the festival of Purim, which Esther commemorates.
Have you ever wondered whether an event was a coincidence or God’s providence? In this sermon Peter looks at the many coincidences which drive the story of Esther forward, encouraging us to rejoice and trust God’s invisible moments of grace and to see God’s providence in them, even in affliction.
Peter introduces us to the story of Esther. Perhaps a trigger warning is required, for in this sermon and story we are introduced to a story as violent and sexual as any Netflix series today. Esther is not to be romanticized. Instead we are meant to ask ‘Where is God? How will God intervene?’ In Esther we see a type of Christ -the suffering of one victim for many & the pattern of God’s grace made manifest. We may also be heartened by recognising that, like Esther, God invites our participation even in our mess.
Beck finishes up the 1 Peter series by encouraging us as Peter encouraged the persecuted church. We are encouraged, in our trials, to stay the course, cast our cares onto God who cares for us, and resist the devil. We do this by sharing our doubts, trusting the Holy Spirit in us to help us, and trusting that Jesus Christ is victorious on our behalf.
What motivates the way you relate to others? Continuing the 1 Peter series, Beck looks at Peter’s instructions to the church on intrinsic and extrinsic motivators in our relationships, which should flow out of humility. Offer ing a helpfully broad definition of 'elders,' elders are to choose to lead by example, prayerfully examining their motives & remembering their heavenly reward. Those younger in the faith are to submit. This submission does not exclude choice or dialogue or even challenges to leadership, but it does include choosing to listen, respect and follow those who lead by example.
Continuing the 1 Peter series, Peter looks at one of the priorities of the Christian life and offers four ways to move toward it. This priority is the strengthening of Christian community. Through mutual love, prayer, hospitality, and service to each other we can follow the apostle Peter’s teaching and participate in this mutually beneficial work.
In this sermon Flyck looks at the Christian reason to have hope. Continuing in 1 Peter, hope found in the victory of Jesus Christ is so powerful that it is able to alter our perspective and our behaviour – even in trials.
What is the life everlasting? In this sermon Rob Miller rounds out the Apostles' Creed series by looking at the broad view of life everlasting which encompasses ideas of salvation, God's kingdom, and the renewal of all things. The Christian confession of life everlasting is a source of hope today, helping avoid spiritual restlessness and helping us focus on God.
In this Justice sermon, Robyn Boosey (Melbourne Anglican Diocese: Preventing Violence Against Women) highlights Jesus’ equal acceptance of all people, irrespective of social standing or gender. We see Jesus’ compassion for the socially distanced, his willingness to listen to the stories of others deemed unworthy by society, his inclusion of the marginalized, and his power to challenge the unjust culture of the day while bringing healing and hope to the darkest of situations.
Can the dead be raised? Humans yearn for many things, including immortality, & because of Jesus Christ, Christians yearn with hope. In this sermon, Peter discusses how resurrection is the most Important doctrine in Christianity, and looks at Christ who is our resurrection pattern. Like with Christ, the God who made all things will finally raise us bodily and in imperishable glory.
[Peter Carolane] Apostles' Creed: The Forgiveness of Sins (Micah 7:14-20; Luke 7 & 15) 26.07.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
[Peter Carolane] Apostles' Creed: He will come again to judge (Matt 24.23-42 & 25) 19.07.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
Do we need a progress report on whether we are attaining eternal life? In this sermon, Will Mackerras speaks about the assurance offered in the story of the rich young ruler. Here, we learn that once we have put our trust in Jesus we don’t need to make a giant leap towards perfection or obey the whole law in order to receive eternal life. Instead, we stay in the kingdom of heaven in the same way we entered it - through continuing to trust Jesus for our salvation.
Solidarity not separation. Blessing not retaliation. As the 1 Peter series continues, Flyck looks at the way that the Christian family is to live out it’s calling to righteousness through being willing to suffer injustice. Suffering injustice shows solidarity between Christian brothers and sisters, but also enables Christians to do good by blessing those who do evil.
Peter gets out the prejudice horn to remind us not to let prejudice override our ability to hear important Christian teachings. In preaching on this tricky passage, the bigger goal of this passage (and letter) is shown to be the subversive transformation of society to the pattern of God’s kingdom. Gentleness is a calling for all Christians – not just wives.
[Tom French] 1 Peter: Living Commendable Lives (1 Peter 2.11-25) 21.06.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
[Peter Carolane] 1 Peter: The Identity of God's People (1 Peter 2.4-10) 14.06.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
Beck preaches on the significance of the line in the Apostle’s Creed which says that we ‘believe in the Holy catholic church, the communion of saints’. The idea of the holy church might make us skeptical, but it is Jesus own holiness which is robust and able to go into messy places which has been given to the church. The church is also one church, made up of all people from all times and ages, who are filled with the goodness of Jesus and united to God and each other through the spirit of Christ. It is for this church that Jesus prays that God would protect the church, that the church would be joyful in being united to him, and be made holy as they share the good news in the world.
[Peter Carolane] Apostles' Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit (John 16.1-15; Acts 2.1-42) 31.05.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
Where does our strength to love come from? Though spiritual nourishing. Love is a sign of God’s word and work in us: God has set us apart morally, given us a new and Godly character, and has transformed our lives to something imperishable. Even in exile, we have strength to love because God is with us and promises to bring us home to the new heavens & earth.
Jesus cannot be seen in the heavens so what does it mean to believe that Jesus Christ ascended? In this sermon, Anthea shows two powerful effects of Jesus Christ's ascension. The ascension confirms that Jesus Christ is at the helm of the universe, and that Jesus Christ is our heavenly high priest, acting for our good before God forever.
In this sermon Peter speaks about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as the most holy event in history. Holiness means being absolutely involved in the mess of life, not running away from it. The Christian hope in God encompasses all of life because it trusts that God gives us grace to be obedient even when life gets difficult.
[Will Mackerras] 1 Peter: Praise to God for a Living Hope (1 Peter 1. 1-12) 03.05.20 by Merri Creek Anglican
In this sermon Jo encourages us to link our position towards the environment with our faith and our worship. God loves all of creation and has created humans to be good stewards over it, and as we care for creation God will renew not just people but all things.
Is heaven up? Is hell down? Did Jesus go to hell or to Hades, and what does the bible actually say about the place that Jesus went after dying, before his resurrection? In this sermon Peter also looks at how Jesus descent gives Christians comfort when we consider our own death.
In this sermon Peter speaks about the most important Christian belief – that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Jesus' resurrection is the cause for the Christian hope that no matter what we suffer now, we will one day also receive perfected, resurrection bodies.
Beck preaches a Good Friday sermon on the Christian belief that Jesus Christ suffered, was crucified, died and was buried. The historical importance of Jesus’ death is that it shows God entering into our pain and winning victory over it. As a result, believers can have peace with God and others, even in these strange (pandemic) days.
Continuing the series on the Apostles’ Creed, and spanning the bible from Genesis to Revelation, Peter explores the importance of belief in Jesus’ virgin Birth. As is seen in miraculous births throughout the bible, Mary’s miraculous pregnancy is a pinnacle of God’s work of salvation and a signal to Israel that he is rescuing them.
What’s in a name? In this sermon on the Apostles' Creed, Peter looks at the significance of the titles given to Jesus - ‘Lord’ and ‘Christ.’ To call Jesus Lord and Christ is to acknowledge the truth of who Jesus is, but also to accept that Jesus is Lord and life-giver in all areas of our life.
This service has a panel discussion considering the implications of COVID 19 for the life of our church and how we remain connected at this time. As Merri Creek Anglican pauses its Sunday gatherings, this panel discussion offers some advice and an explanation of the rationale for social distancing, how we care for others including the vulnerable, and considering alternative ways of ‘meeting' with and supporting others. Discussion (briefly) covers transmission of the virus, unnecessary use of facemasks & gloves, testing, and the importance of hand washing.
What confidence can we have to believe in God; to believe in the Christian faith? Is there room for doubt or uncertainty in Christian faith? In this sermon Peter begins a new series on the Apostles’ Creed – a tool created and given to the Church in its early years. This Creed, like all the Creeds, helps bring unity and joy to Christians, through helping us navigate doubt and difference of opinion in a life in busy and uncertain times.
In this Western era there is a distrust or contempt building towards institutions, and perhaps towards the church. So, with growing distrust, how can we believe or trust anything? Jesus says ‘I am the light of the world’ but is this a trustworthy claim? This sermon addresses the particular question, ‘How can we trust Jesus?’
In this part of the John series Peter looks at our battle with shame. All of us struggle with shame, often sexual shame. So how does Jesus respond to our shame? With mercy. Jesus calls out hypocrisy, pointing out that all people sin and need forgiveness through him. And Jesus’ offer stands for all of us still, to leave our sin behind, say sorry for it, and to put our faith in Jesus – the sinless one- who does not condemn us but instead stands between us and our accusers.
In this sermon from John Peter encourages us to grow in our faith by drawing on the Spirit or the 'true water', which Jesus offers in this passage. Though human needs remain, enjoyment of Christ creates in us a new satisfaction able to override our other needs. in fact, if we are seeking to be nourished in any way other than Jesus we will not find it, because Jesus is the truer and better temple, the truer and better Moses, the truer and better Passover lamb, and the truer and better water.
Peter continues this John series encouraging people to judge Jesus using God's standards rather than our own. Peter also challenges us to trust Jesus, and to step into following Jesus with our hearts and lives, not only our minds.
Have you had an ‘ah-ha’ moment with Jesus? Have you decided that Jesus is worth following, and then considered why you are following him? Did you recognise Jesus’ “otherness” and have your perspective changed as a result? To whom shall you go? These are the questions posed by Beck in this sermon.
A talk to hoe into. Rob speaks on the strange metaphor, and our real need, to feed on Jesus, and some ways in which food helps us to recognise this need.
Who are you looking forward to being with this Christmas? Beck speaks about how the prophecy from Isaiah is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, and reminds us that God looks forward to being with us every day. This is why we celebrate Christmas. We are also encouraged to practice being like the shepherds, and putting things aside to make room for Jesus in our celebrations and struggles.
Pete preaches a pre-Christmas service on the significance of the genealogy of Jesus found at the start of Matthew’s gospel. This genesis highlights a new beginning in time, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people. (This recording begins with three bible readings and finishes with one. The sermon begins at 5'54'')
A message from Bishop Genieve Blackwell on the occasion of five people’s Confirmation of Faith.
Closing out this (extended) Romans series, Peter preaches on the importance of pursuing unity. The gospel, according tp Romans, should bring about the conditions for unity through establishing a foundation of mutual love. Through allowing people to use their conscience, embracing diversity, actively making peace, and by being flexible, Peter unpacks some of the ways we can pursue unity in the church.
How should Christians relate to the ruling authorities? Paul teaches a surprising message that, even in his context of the Romans Empire, Christians should submit to the authorities. Why is he teaching this? And what limits does the Bible place on this instruction?
What is love? We use love to describe many things, but here, Flyck looks at Roman's description of love as an ethical standard for Christians. Following Jesus' suit, Christians have good reason to make love their ethic, and to practice clothing themselves with Christ-like, zealous, generous love.
Here, an ecoprophet interprets the prophet Amos, challenging us against complacency in the face of injustice. As Amos told Israel, justice demands that we mourn injustice, we call it out, and we proclaim judgment against it. The message to Israel and the world is that God is putting to the world to rights and inviting us to participate.
Amos appears to be laden with God’s judgment against his own people. Here, Peter looks at what leads God to exile Israel: their lives of cheap grace & false worship rather than obedience in embracing God's righteousness and justice. Listen for a deeper look at grace, false worship, liturgy and justice.
What tangible evidence is there that you are not worshipping the idol of money? In this first sermon on Amos, Peter calls us to consider the corrupting power of wealth and challenges us to prove we are not worshipping this idol. Our attitude towards wealth can be shaped both by God’s judgement on Israel, as spoken through the prophet Amos, and through considering Jesus’ resistance to wealth.
Beck considers what it looks like to belong to the body of Christ, encouraging Christians to embrace the uneasiness of interdependence and, from the knowledge that they belong to each other, to serve each other with humility and cheer.
Why do we struggle to worship God, and how do we worship God well? Peter continues the Romans series by outlining five reasons people struggle to worship, then considering Paul's example of worship in his Romans doxology. This sermon encourages us to contemplate God, and to worship from the overflow of minds transformed by the gospel.
Here, Peter addresses one of the harder passages in the book of Romans (and, perhaps, the bible). What does it mean for God to be both kind and stern; to graft some branches in and to cut others off? Listen here to find out.
Crossing the aisle to engage with culturally different people is bound to get messy. In this talk Peter assures us that mess is ok. God can cope with our mess. We can also prepare ourselves for mess. As modelled in Acts 15, we can deal with mess by seeking the wisdom of older and wiser people, tempering our standards with love for others, and being flexible.
Fitting this baptism service, this sermon on crossing the aisle discusses the need for christians to be distinctive. Christians are called to be a living, breathing, active community of faith who love others without compromising their values. History shows that the failure to do so can lead the church into becoming poisonous in society, but the alternative is better - when the church's distinctiveness leaves an indelible mark of good love.
What is the place of judgment in the Christian faith? In this talk Peter looks at how perfect judgment is a cause for rejoicing, and at the implications of Jesus' famous call to his followers to 'turn the other cheek' and 'love their enemies'. The law of love is not merely non-hatred or 'like' but love as an action.
How do we stop differences turning into polarisation? In part 1 of the Crossing the Aisle sermon series, Pete talks about a world full of aisles of suspicion and judgment. Jesus Christ, in his birth, death and life, is a model of crossing these aisles sacrificially and with humility. Following Jesus' example results in the humble and sacrificial movement of Christians towards people of other tribes which can be practiced at home as well as in the wider community.
In this sermon Flyck looks at some of the reasons that people stumble over Jesus Christ, and at the beautiful truth that Jesus Christ is God's righteousness for all people willing to trust him.
Tom French continues this Romans series looking at a tricky passage about God's choice. When it comes to choosing his people, do we trust God to be God? De we trust that God is wise and merciful? And what proof do we have that God is compassionate? Listen to find out more.
Richard continues the Romans series with a powerful passage which offers great assurance and injects us with hope: nothing can separate us from God's love!
The Romans series continues with a recap of the first eight chapters and an answer to the question: If Christians have been freed from sin and have new life, why do they still suffer? A good listen for anyone considering becoming Christian, or anyone wanting to know more about the 'now-and-not-yet' aspect of Christian faith. Pete also offers some practical tips on how to pray with hope.
What does worship look like? Rob Miller finishes the series on True Worship asking what you would see if you looked in the Mirror of Erised? Would you see sacrifice? True and proper worship involves sacrifice and impacts the breadth, length and depth of our lives.
How do we know whether we are really spiritual people? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in worship? How does the Holy Spirit feel? These are some of the question Rob Miller considers in this third talk on Spiritual Worship.
In this second of the Worship series, we look at the strange contrast in Psalm 95, and Rob asks the question: How can we become responsive worshippers? Do we worship in response to God or do we attempt to worship in the way that pleases us? Are we prepared to listen to God or do we need God to dig us new ears?
What does a worshipper look like? In this first of four talks on Worship, Rob Miller challenges our assumptions about who we see as true worshippers and what true worship looks like. Where does Jesus fit your understanding of worship, and if Jesus is the model for your worship what does worship then look like?
The horrible end to the book of Judges is the confronting topic discussed by Peter in this talk. The distressing story closing Judges shows the widespread violence (often against women), and the diminishing of our humanity that results from everyone doing their own thing. Although horrible, this story also shows us God’s heart, offering hope in God’s kingdom in which peace and justice prevail. Peter also interviews Robyn about the Melbourne Anglican Diocese’s taskforce for Prevention of Violence Against Women.
Pete continues a series on Judges looking at the unexpected inspiration of the life of Samson. Pete considers how such an unlikely figure points us to Jesus and warns us away from seeing God as a magic genie. The challenge is to follow the pattern of strength in weakness, to realise our own unfaithfulness, and to draw on the strength that comes through knowing Jesus Christ
[Beck Miller] Gideon: Victory for Weakling (Judges 6:1-40)12.05.19 by Merri Creek Anglican
The drama of Judges continues. In the second week of this Judges series Peter looks at another extraordinary story of Deborah and Barak and at God’s mysterious ways. God is mysterious, God uses flawed people but ultimately God always wins.
Peter starts of a series on Judges with the spectacularly strange story of Ehud and the king of Moab. Peter talks about how God is a "left-handed" God - God's methods and God's deliverers are surprising but also effective.
Humility. Gravitas. Suffering. Eternal glory. That’s heavy, dude! Pete finishes the Good Shepherd series looking at 1 Peter 5. While following the Good Shepherd in leadership is a heavy responsibility, the reward is great and lasts forever.
Beck wraps up the 2019 vision series by encouraging us to taste and see that the Lord is good! Creativity and creatives are essential in the life of the church, inspiring us through new expressions and reflections, inviting participation, inviting interpretation of ideas and helping people to respond emotionally. Here is an encouragement to be creative, soak up the arts, and invite God - the ultimate creator - into your creative works.
In this sermon Beck reminds us of our opportunity to accept God's invitation either to repent & turn back to God or to celebrate over those who do repent. The church, as the family of God, are invited to go with the good shepherd into unknown territory in order to bring back the lost. Prayerfulness, training, remembrance and the serious cultivation of joy are ways to accept that invitation.
Peter continues the Good Shepherd series looking at how Jesus as shepherd models pastoral care. Following Jesus pastorally leads to caring for people by speaking God's truth, by promoting flourishing through leading with a Christ-centred approach, through sacrificial leadership, and through having an evangelistic and outward focus.
Peter continues a series on the biblical theme of the Good Shepherd. After a week of sad and heavy news, this is a timely talk reflecting on Jeremiah 23. 1-8 and on how God views bad leadership.
Peter starts the new series on the biblical theology theme of the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 is perhaps the most famous example of this theme in the Old Testament. Listen and be encouraged by the God who is with us in the green grass and the dark valley.
Jerome tells us how he went from being a dried up piece of fruit (spiritually speaking) to finding true spiritual nourishment.
There have always been people who claim that you can be spiritually enlightened apart from faith in Jesus Christ. But the Apostle John shows why this will never work. This is the third in our 2019 vision series .
In this second of the vision series, see how the Kingdom of God parables about the mustard seed and the yeast in dough help us to know how to understand our role (and God's role) in the Inner-North of Melbourne to bring Kingdom change.
Peter teaches the Apostle Paul's approach to "outsiders" which is to be watchful, wise and winsome.
One of the most famous miracles of Jesus was when he walked on the Sea of Galilee and freaked out the disciples, who had been rowing across in a headwind. What does the miracle mean for us?
Anthea McCall preaches on the very famous miracle when Jesus fed a crowd of 5000 men plus the women and children with just some loaves and fish. This is an amazing story of the God who provides us with more than we need.
Flyck looks at the question from John 5, is Jesus really God in the flesh? If he is, then what does this mean for us? What does it mean if we trust in this radical idea?
Beck explains how Jesus is no ordinary man or Rabbi. This sermon shows how Jesus has a unique kind of authority that comes from God.
This sermon is about one of the unsung heroes of the Christmas story: Anna the prophetess. In this sermon Peter talks about why she was included by Luke in the narrative, and what it means for us today.
Jesus was born from an unimpressive people in humble circumstances. See how this is important in our understanding of the Christmas story.
This talk discusses the good news that that if you have put your faith in Jesus, God has sent his Holy Spirit to you, filled you, and set you free. You are no longer condemned by God for your sin. And you can call God father.
The law is good, and spiritual, yet it functions as a catalyst for sin. See how Paul looks back on his old life under the law, struggling with sin.
Peter teaches on Paul's illustration from marriage for why Christians are no longer bound by the law. Instead, we live in the new way of Spirit.
Richard returns to the Romans series and teaches us about the extraordinary power of God's grace and the kind of hope we can have as a result.
Forbearance is not exactly forgiveness – but it's related – and it's much more than tolerance. It comes out of a desire for a flourishing community. See how to cultivate forbearance and grow in Christlikeness.
C.S. Lewis writes in the Four Loves, "To the ancients, friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue. The modern world, in comparison, ignores it." Here theologian and author Wes Hill talks about how friendship is, in fact, important in Christian discipleship. Jesus was, not just the Saviour of the world, but also a great friend to a few people. What does that mean for us?
Restraint is an unfashionable Christian virtue. But how do we know how to be restrained? Why is restraint a Christian virtue? How is restraint different from being stingy?
[Peter Carolane] Unfashionable Christian Virtues: Steadfastness (Luke 9:51-62;Prov 4:18-27) 19.08.18 by Merri Creek Anglican
The person who speaks frankly will – in the end – gain more favour than the person who speaks flattery - so the proverb goes. In this sermon, Peter begins a series on unfashionable Christian Virtues (based on the series of a similar name from the ABC Radio National program The Minefield with Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens). This week is focused on Frankness - and we look at Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Paul looks at Abraham to show us that faith alone is enough for our salvation, and it has always been the case - look at Abraham!
After about two chapters of heavy explanation from Paul about human sin and the need for a solution – we learn about what God has done in providing salvation through faith in Jesus.
Beck talks talks more about the despearate need we all have - even if we think we are 'religious' -
This is the beginning of Paul's letter to the Romans. Here he writes about the gospel that he wants them to know, which he is not ashamed of. What does it mean for us to not be ashamed of the gospel?
This is the end of Exodus but it is the beginning of forever. God spirit descends on the newly built Tabernacle and it marks a new era for Israel where God will be with journey with them to the promised land.
One of the benefits of Having the Holy Spirit living inside of us is that He gives us spiritual gifts with which to serve the wider church and community. Find out about what this means for you.
God hates idol worship. This sermon shows how Moses and God's reaction to Israel's idolatry, tells us how seriously we should take our own idoaltry today.
Some of the Bible is filled with boring long texts. This passage, for example, is basically a manual for how to build a tent for worship. It's full of lots of details. So why is it even in the Bible? Listen and you'll find out how God can speak to us even in the boring passages.
You probably have heard about the Ten Commandments. This sermon tells us what they reveal about God, us, and Jesus.
This sermon looks at the significance of God's salvation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to us today.
Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit brought a fresh beginning to God's people. This talk is the last of our Holy Spirit series where Peter talks about how the Holy Spirit gives us a new purpose, new family and new heart.
The Bible talks about people who were "filled with the Spirit." What does this actually mean? Don't all Christians have the Holy Spirit living inside of them? How can you have the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit? This Sermon looks at how being Spirit-filled enhances your character and your boldness for God.
[Peter Carolane] The Spirit who Illuminates (1 Corinthians 2:6-16) 06.05.18 by Merri Creek Anglican
What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Did you know the Holy Spirit is integral to being saved? We often think about salvation being the Son of God's territory, but the Holy Spirit is crucial as well. See why.
Is Church hypocrisy proof that Christianity is not true? Listen to Peter speak on Jesus' rant in Matthew 23 and find out.
Beck talks about Jesus reintstating Peter after his shame of denying him - and commissionoing him for ministry.
Doubt is actually necessary in the context of faith. It's fine to doubt. In fact, God is fine with it. This is why the story of 'doubting' Thomas is in the Bible.
On Easter Sunday, Beck spoke about Mary's encounter with the resurrected Jesus in the garden.
On this Good Friday sermon, Peter talks about how Jesus became broken so that he could heal our brokenness.
Hearing God's voice is something all Christians long for. This sermon explains that we don't hear God through our subjective feelings, we hear God primarily through (1) the objective Scriptures and (2) the wisdom of the church community. God may choose to speak to us using other miraculous methods, but these are the exception to the rule.
You don't always think of 'mission' and 'consumerism' as being natural opposites, but in this sermon, Peter explains how one of the major discipleship journeys we need to walk is from the idolatry of things and experiences, to bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world in word and action.
Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ This last part of the Great Commandment shows us that we can't just love ourselves, but more importantly, we need to love others too. See how we can develop this in our discipleship journey.
I was my own worst judge. I used to fear being exposed as unimpressive, unsuccessful, and unimportant. I even sometimes felt small, dirty, defiled, wrong and unwanted – just not good enough. But I don’t need to feel this shame anymore, I don’t need to numb my psychological pain or blame others for my hurts, because I know deep inside that God approves of me and loves me as his child.
Faith in Jesus has made me spiritually alive, now I can live the life that God wants me to live.
In the story of Jesus healing the man at the pool at Bethesda, we see the way Jesus picked the man out from the crowd and transformed his life, even when he didn't appreciate it. See what this means for us today.
Thirteen years ago, Jefry arrived in Australia on a manmade boat with 42 of his friends and family, after being adrift at sea for five days. Now he is an aerospace engineer, a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter and an advocate for West Papua. Listen to Jefry's inspiring story.
Beck teaches on Jesus' powerful and culturally unusual conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well.
In this sermon, we look at the way John the Baptist demonstrated what it means to humbly submit everything to Jesus.
[Peter Carolane] Costly Grace and Submitting to Rulers (Titus 3) 19.11.17 by Merri Creek Anglican
Titus 2 encourages us to see that all people in the congregation old, young, men, women – no matter how high or low your social status – have an important calling from God to relate to each other in response to God's grace and so that the gospel will be attractive to outsiders.
Peter launches a three week series on Paul's letter to Titus. Find out from Titus 1 how all Christian leaders (from Archbishops to the welcomers on a Sunday service) are to hold the tension between integrity and grace.
THe English Baptist preacher and pastor, David Shosanya, who was out for the Justice Conference, spoke to us about living life to the full. David is an inspiring teacher, and one of the UK's experts on the Christian faith and justice.
As we approach the official 500th anniversary of the Reformation (October 31), when Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five thesis to the door on the Castle church in Wittenberg, Church Historian Rhys Bezzant preaches on why this historical event is still important today.
Rob explores further what it means to have a blessed life. In this talk we see that God wants us to ask him to bless us.
Beck launches this four part series where we meditate on what it actually means to be blessed. Psalm 1 is an intro to the whole of the book of Psalms, and gives us a strong start with this question.
See how Paul the Apostle defines the Gospel in this introduciton to the book of Romans.
Our link missionary Lauren Moore speaks on the The Word from the opening words of the prologue in the Gospel of John.
God's justice and his grace are not mutually exclusive. See how it all works from Jonah 4.
Anthea McCall shows us what it looks like when a barbaric city who is far from God, suddenly accepts their sinfulness and repents. See how this chapter from Jonah's life shows us about our own need for repentance and what we should do.
At the beginning of the Jonah series Peter introduces the idea of 'Christian Escapism'. Listen and see if that's you.
"Why would anyone become a Christian in 2017?" asks Megan Curlis-Gibson. See what answer she provides on this sermon about Christian love from Hebrews 13.
Guest preacher Megan Curlis-Gibson discusses why it is Christlike to submit to leaders.
Here Beck talks about how the radical message of the gospel is that we should show hospitality even to those people who are strangers to us.
[Rob Miller] Honouring Marriage Without Worshipping It (Hebrews 13) 11.6.17 by Merri Creek Anglican
It's easy to talk about the Good Samaritan, and loving your neighbour, but ultimately Jesus wants us to "go and do it." Hear about the significance of our eyes in looking at our
We want to be a church that engages in dialogue, forming friendships, with people who do not know Jesus. See how important being a good listener is to achieving this goal.
Guest preacher Mick Pope is an eco-theologian. In this talk, held the day after World Earth Day, Mick challenges us to consider our interaction with the world ecosystem as a discipleship issue.
The cross may have been a horrific punishment for Jesus – but the gospel of John tells us that it was also an act of God's love. Listen to Peter explain on Good Friday about how this is the case.
How does a hula-hoop remind us of the significance of the empty tomb? Rob Miller explains how.
In the time of King Ahaz, God spoke through Isaiah and promised a child who would be born who will be called Immanuel which means God with us. This child would indicate that Israel's emenies will stop attacking.
The concept of being "born again" was first taught by Jesus to a high-status Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus. What dis Jesus mean by this? Nicodemus was certainly confused at first. Are you born again?
The last few verses of John 2 show us how perfectly Jesus knows our hearts. Hear Rob Miller unpack the significance of this for our faith and lives.
Outrage culture is everywhere. But what about God's outrage? See how the story of Jesus Cleansing the Temple, tells us something profoudn about God's love for us.
Jo Knight speaks about why Christians must engage with Climate Change. And why this is a discipleship issue that is not going away.
The Wedding at Cana is the first of Jesus' miracles in the Gospel of John. In this sermon, Beck shows how rich this story is with significance about who Jesus is and he will do.
See what it took for Nathanael to be persuaded that Jesus really is the Messiah. Apologetics is not always about having an argument...
See how John the Baptist willingly hands over his disciples to become Jesus' disciples.
In John 1:14, we come to the most startling statement made in the whole prologue - the "Word became flesh." Here how the Word made flesh is a scandal, is grace, is truth and is glorious.
Brooke Prentis leads us in a service of lament as we identified with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers in sisters. This was one of a series of services organised by Common Grace.
Here Beck Miller teaches on the message of the Angels in the Luke account of the birth of Jesus. Listen and find out how the message connects to our lives today.
Most of the time God uses a carrot (incentive) to urge us on in our faith. But sometimes he uses a stick (warning). In this passage, the writer to the Hebrews offers two inspiring incentives and one very full on stick.
Do you know what it is to be a forgiven person? Listen to this sermon on Hebrews 10:1-18 and see why this is crucial for your life.
Christian faith requires the discipline of Jesus. But we don't always want to accept that because we would rather think of God as being there to make us feel good. When suffering and trials come our way, Hebrews 12 says that this is God disciplining us as a loving father. Listen and see why this is a good thing.
Guest speaker Hannah Craven unpacks Hebrews 11 and focuses in on Rahab the unlikely woman in this cloud of witnesses.
This sermon explores the concluding chapter of the book of Ruth. Here we will see how the whole book is a kind of a mini-version of the whole story of the Bible. It tells of the main character's progression from death to life.
Often the cheesy romance genre depicts a passive woman and an active man (think Mills and Boon or the more recent Twilight vampire series). But the ancient Hebrew story of Ruth, shows (in chapter three), an active woman and an active man. Hear about how Ruth and Boaz get together, but also how their romance is a kind of picture of the Divine Romance between God and his people.
Boaz showed great kindness to Ruth and Naomi. His actions reflected the kindness God was showing to the two women. This sermon is about God's kindness, and what this means for us.
If God is our father, and we are his children, what is God's parenting style? He's not a helicopter parent, nor is he free-range parent, rather he is the perfect father who provides a secure base from which to set us free and a safe haven to welcome us back – all the while taking a strong interest and care for what we are doing. In this sermon from Ruth 1, Peter talks about Naomi's journey away from the security of God's community in Bethlehem to the foreign people in Moab. After great suffering she returns with her unusually devoted daughter in-law
Hebrews 9 contrasts the perfect and permanent new covenant under Jesus with the temporary old covenant God made with Moses. See why Jesus' atoning sacrifice for sin is superior to the sacrifice made in the tabernacle.
Hebrews 8 continues to build on the implications of Jesus being a priest king like Melchizedek. The point is that now he sits on his throne in his glory in the heavenly sanctuary, and he has an ongoing ministry to the world to give people new hearts, forgive them of their sins, and create in them knowledge with God. This sermon will explore why the new covenant is superior to the old, and what it means for us today to have new hearts.
For most Melbournians, both the title 'King' and 'Priest' are fairly antiquated and irrelevant. There have been so many bad examples of royalty and the institutional church in recent memory that we have become very cynical. However, when you consider both titles in their ideal, if such kings or priests were to exist, we might become very excited. In this sermon Peter preaches about the idea enigmatic king-priest Melchizedek found in Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews 7. Why Melchizedek so important? And how is Jesus a king-priest like Melchizedek? What does this mean for us?
Aboriginal Christian Leader Brooke Prentis presents an inspiring challenge to us about how we at Merri Creek can respond as Christians to the need for reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in Australia.
This is one of the most difficult sections of the New Testament. It starts off in a straight forward way, urging the Jewish-Christian readers of this letter, to not be baby Christians but to apply their faith. But then it goes into a warning about the seriousness of falling away. Peter explains how this passage is actually an encouragement.
Since the days of Moses' brother Aaron, Israel's religious life was led by a High Priest. The writer to the Hebrews makes a big argument, that Jesus is the Great High Priest. He is the greats that ever lived. Therefore, we can approach him with confidence. But how can we know that Jesus is really the person for the job as the Great High Priest? How can you know that when you approach Jesus for forgiveness and a new life, that he will be able to fulfil his side of the bargain? Here Peter continues the 2016 Hebrews series to show you why Jesus is the one for the job.
Guest speaker Peter Corney discusses how to practically live out the kind of Christian love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13, in the life of the church.
If you are in Christ, his love for you will change you. In this sermon, Peter explains how this should shape your thinking about yourself, and your relationships with others in the church.
This talk is the first of a three-part series on Christian love and pastoral care. Ephesians 2:1-10 shows us that despite the fact that we were spiritually dead and under the curse of sin, God reached out in his loving grace and made us alive.
Guest speaker, Graham Cole, Dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Chicago, spoke at Merri Creek on the occasion of the baptism of his grandson. Graham deals asks us if we really know what 'Christian' means in this age when it has been coopted by so many other political and cultural groups.
Do you use the Bible like a fortune cookie – flicking the pages and then randomly sticking your finger down to see what verse you land on? I hope not. In this sermon, Rob explains how God really guides us with his word.
Do you come forward at church to receive the bread and wine and know what you are doing? What is the Lord's Supper important? What is this act of worship that Jesus established at the Last Supper? What do Anglicans believe?
In this last of the giving series from 2 Corinthians 8-9, Peter looks at the way Paul wanted the Corinthian church to give Abundantly. In this passage, Paul makes some famous but curious promises about reaping what you sow. What does this mean with regards to financial giving? What is it that we reap? Moreover, why is it so important to become an abundant giver?
It's one thing to be excited about giving your money away, but Paul shows here that you also ned to be organised, doing it voluntarily, and have some accountability structures. Why is this important? It's all about protecting the reputation of the church, and bringing glory to God.
Paul encourages the church in Corinth to follow through with their good intentions and give sacrificially to the suffering poor church in Judea. Out of this section the letter, Paul discusses a series of important discipleship principles such as sacrifice as the true currency in the Kingdom of God (rather than actual dollar value), and financial equity in society.
Living the Christian life and lasting the distance is really hard. But God doesn't leave us on his own. Hebrews 4:12-13 tells us that God has given us his living and active word to help us.
Peter continues from last week to bring part two of the sermon Working to stop Working. The focus is on what it means to be a Sabbath People. How to we have the freedom of spirit that the disciples demonstrated in Luke 6:1-11? How do we move on from thinking of Sabbath as a once a week idea to a lifestyle choice?
The writer to the Hebrews says to make every effort to enter into God's Sabbath Rest – in other words, we have to work to stop working for our salvation. In this sermon, Peter explains the Sabbath Rest, and the danger that some might not enter that rest. What practical steps can we make then, to ensure we do enter that rest?
In this sermon, Bishop Genieve Blackwell offers some encouragement to the congregation - and newly confirmees, that God sent the Holy Spirit to help us in our walk as disciples.
This sermon looks at the warning in Hebrews against rebellion against God. The Israelites did not trust God and so God responded by not letting that generation enter the Promised Land. Christians need to learn from the mistakes of our Jewish ancestors. Distrust of God comes from sin and a hard heart. The strong recommendation in Hebrews 3 is to encourage each other in faith.
Peter continues the series looking at the way human beings were meant to be a little lower than the angels, with dominion over the earth, but that sin got in the way. So God perfected Jesus through his suffering and temptation to be the pioneer of our salvation – this was his destiny. He was our trail blazer to God, and by fulfilling his destiny, he fulfilled ours.
In this sermon Peter talks about the place of Angels and that despite their significance, the Son of God is superior.
Jesus said to Martha that he is "The Resurrection and the Life." Listen to this Easter address and see what Jesus meant by that claim. Find out how belief in Jesus is the beginning of new life.
When Jesus died the Temple curtain in tore from top to bottom. What is the significance of this? What does this say about Jesus' death?
If secularism is really, as Charles Taylor put it, an era where there is a supernova of belief systems, all bouncing around the 'imminent frame' then how do get people to notice the gospel more than the other beliefs? In this sermon Peter looks at Paul in Athens, and looks at how Paul did it, and how creatives have a special role to point people to Jesus.
Jesus has just fed the five-thousand with the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. So the crowd are pretty excited about his power to fill their bellies. But Jesus challenges them to stop worrying about temporary food, and to pursue eternal food - the bread from Heaven. What do you spend your life consuming? Temporary food that will go mouldy and waste away? Wouldn't you rather have a diet that lasts into eternity?
In this second of the 2016 vision series, Peter talks about how we need to do more than believe in community service and relationship building. In fact, as James 2:14-26 says, we need to get up off our feet and do something! Christian faith without corresponding good deeds is dead: it will not save.
[corrected-upload] [Peter Carolane] Training Day 2016 - What Kind Of Sunday Service Do We Want? by Merri Creek Anglican
In this second talk from the 2016 training day, Peter talks about his big picture strategic plans for Merri Creek Anglican.
Peter begins the 2016 vision series looking at how Merri Creek Anglican can have an open and charitable dialogue about Jesus with the no-religion tribes of Melbourne's Inner-North – in the context of outrage culture. What does Jesus show us in his encounter with the woman caught in adultery?
In this sermon Rob completes the Discipleship in Luke series, by looking at the parable of the rich fool. Are you putting your faith in wealth or God? How are you going to make your life count?
Peter talks about the seemingly enigmatic parable of the Dishonest Manager. Jesus makes a contrast between the economic values and behaviour of the people of this world, and the people of the next world (the people of light). Which master will you serve? God or Money?
In this sermon, Scott Buchanan looks at this striking parable about the Master and his slaves. Scott discusses how seriously Jesus takes our response of obedience to God. When the Master returns, how is he going to respond to you?
Kieran Carr is our guest speaker for this talk about the importance of reading and applying the Word of God to our lives. Don't be a dumb carpenter! Be a smart carpenter. Build your house on the rock.
Jesus tells a riddle about good and bad trees and their respective fruit. This he uses as a way to explain the human heart and its need for transformation. In this talk Peter explains our fundamental human problem and need for heart renewal.
Christmas day 2015, Peter looks at the contrasting stories of Herod and The Magi. These strange religious scholars from Babylon make their way across 900 km of desert, following astrological and astronomical cues in the night-sky, all to find this newborn baby Jewish King. Meanwhile the Machiavellian King Herod is plotting to send them on a manhunt so that he can ultimately kill the baby. What does this mean for us today?
Have you every wondered what the virgin birth is about? Well, the first thing you'll learn is that really, we should be looking at the virgin conception (because that's the miracle). In this sermon, Peter explains four reasons why the virgin conception is important.
In this, the last of the Monarchy series, Peter teaches on the final distraction of Judah by the Babylonians. This national experience of political, geographical, relational and spiritual disorientation shook Judah. They had to bandy together and stay obedient. While we may not experience national exile like this, we do experience extreme disorientation at different times in our lives. Listen to how to survive, grow and look out for God's grace in those times.
In this sermon, Peter talks about Jeroboam - the first King of the North. Jeroboam started off as a great liberator who provided leadership to the majority 10 tribes (or 11 depending on your maths). However, Jeroboam's desire to rule caused him to lead Israel into apostasy. He became the King of Sin - the worst kind of king - the one that all other bad Israelite kings would be compared to. Instead of being a type of King Jesus (like David and Solomon), Jeroboam is the opposite 'type' of Jesus.
In this sermon, Peter discusses the concept of God's desire to bring harmony to human relationships: harmony between people and God, people and each other, and people and the creation. King Solomon was a ruler who began understanding this idea. He desire to lead Israel into God's good order. He desired to be a servant King who pursued Godly character. He prioritised God's kingdom over his own kingdom. In fact, God said that while Solomon's Kingly dynasty was secure (because David's was secure), his long life was dependant on his obedience under God's holy law. In the same way: the salvation of Christians is secure because of Jesus' faithfulness, but the blessings in the rest of our life is dependant on the extent to which we pursue the Kingdom of God: "seek first the Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you as well...."
In the second of our series 'Monarchy,' Peter Carolane speaks about the central passage from the Samuel corpus, 2 Samuel 7. Here, the triumphant David plans to serve God by building the first Temple in Jerusalem. But God says "No Thanks!" This sermon look at a King who God humbled and then showed grace to with an extraordinary counter promise.
In this first talk from the sermon series 'Monarchy,' Peter Carolane talks about King Saul and what went wrong? Given that he sinned and repented equally to David, why did he fail? The story of Saul prompts us to check if we are like Israel of old, looking to kings after our own heart, rather than the true King of Kings, after God's own heart.
Anthea McCall preaches on how to pray for others, using the great opening passage from Ephesians 1:15-23.
Tim Clare preaches on how you pray when you find it really hard to pray. (Matthew 26:36-46)
Do you practice the Christian discipline of confession? Perhaps you are a Christian Atheist who, on the one hand, believes in a God of Justice who is watching over the universe and providing a moral centre to everything, and on the other hand, you live as though this God is not watching you? In this sermon Peter Carolane addresses why you should confess your sins, and how this will help you grow as a Christian in maturity and awareness of God.
How should a Christian manage their time? The Thessalonians had lazy and disruptive people, but Paul wanted them to imitate him and be 'busy'. How do we get our productivity right? How do we fit it all in? How do we glorify God with our time? The answer lies not so much in todo lists, but in our attitude.
How To Have A Healthy Church (Pastoral Care) - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 by Merri Creek Anglican
Easter in Matthew (3 of 4) - The Father and the Son (Gethsemane And The Cross) by Merri Creek Anglican
Vision Series 2015 - A (Magnificent) Open And Charitable Dialogue by Merri Creek Anglican
(Martine Wilson with Joel McKerrow, Tear Australia)Courage To Imagine by Merri Creek Anglican
This is a simple overview of thee transitions for the Israelites from the book of Ezra. The story tells the way God enables them to rebuild the Temple - and also the city of Jerusalem. This same God wants to rebuild us. The three ideas are: (1) God's presence extends beyond the Temple to the City (and by implication in outward direction to the whole world); (2) Israel shift from being an elite spiritual leader driven religion to being a religion based around community leadership; (3) Judaism shifts from being an oral based religion to scripture based.
The Symphony Of God's Purposes (Melbourne Uni Christian Union Music Students - Oct 23, 2014) by Merri Creek Anglican