St Paul's Box Hill Podcasts

“The Power of God Is in Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross.” “More power to you”. Do you know this saying? What is power and do you have it? We often look for meaning in all the wrong places. God says clearly and powerfully, the message of the cross and the person of Jesus in giving his life is God’s power for you. And you have power to share. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/bZvv7Ejga0w ) [Organ/Choir - Lent 3]

When Jesus calls his disciples to take up their cross and follow him, he clearly indicates discipleship is not without suffering, and that to love others as he loves involves self-denial, even losing one's life. Christian discipleship does not bring happiness at no cost to self – this is not how God transforms a broken world. We join Christ in his victory, but also in his humiliation, rejection and sacrifice in obedience to the will of God. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/qga4PiqQOB8 ) [Organ/Choir - Lent 2]

“What time is it?” At the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus announces that “the time has been fulfilled”. What does this mean for us? Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bring those who trust in him, sure and eternal life, free from the power of sin, death, and the evil one. But he also calls us to know the time is now to follow where he leads in bringing the gospel to the world. The time is now to dwell in the gospel, and to go with it to the people around us. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://www.youtu.be/r3BQU4Tp6FQ ) [Organ - Lent 1]

In Psalm 51, David vividly tells us of the reality check he (and we) have because of sin. All humans are guilty of sin, and face God's sentence of death. In Lent, we meet this reality check for ourselves. But this is not the final word. For Lent also gives us the call to focus anew and in new ways on the one who saves: Jesus Christ and his cross - and so Lent is truly a springtime for our souls. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/bQWgfA4wG2Y ) [Prerecorded music - Ash Wednesday]

Jesus shines on the mountain in preparation for entering the valley to do his work. We meet with him in Word and Sacrament, and learn from him in times of dwelling in his Word and in prayer, listening for his voice to comfort, strengthen and direct us. Through simple acts of love done in his name, we can find understanding of how his glory exists even when hidden in the valley where our sight is clouded. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/BvVU20PBvAY ) [Prerecorded music - Transfiguration]

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography is titled 'Long Walk to Freedom'. Mandela did all he could to free his country from the bondage of apartheid. Christ Jesus made the long walk to the cross and from the tomb to set all people free who put their trust in him. New life in Christ brings a wonderful freedom to serve others so that they too may receive the freedom to live and make the life-long walk to freedom with Christ. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/w-0dWyYtaYU ) [Organ - Epiphany 5]

The people are amazed that Jesus teaches with authority. But what is this authority, and what does it mean for them, and for us today? Jesus’ authority is revealed in Mark’s gospel as authority from God to serve, and to give his life in order to bring life to people. Jesus gives his disciples the same authority. How will we use it? (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/mTY8Sldfglw ) [Organ - Epiphany 4]

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear of two calls — one call to repentance, and one to follow Jesus. As we repent and believe, we are equipped to follow — Jesus calls us and provides all we need. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/KVuRDxGY8Rw ) [Organ - Epiphany 3]

The young boy Samuel heard God calling him in the night. We too listen for our God calling, both as individuals and in community as a church, and consider how we might encourage others to listen to God's calling. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/4V9yShmUPIg ) [Organ - Epiphany 2]

Baptism is God’s act of love, where he claims us and names us as his own. Similarly, when Jesus was baptised, God announced his identity — and then sent him into the wilderness, beginning his journey to the cross for our salvation, the ultimate act of love. We are the new creation, made righteous by Christ's perfect obedience and 'fulfilment of all righteousness' on our behalf; and now through his obedience, God is well pleased with us. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/4vS3zvZclq4 ) [Organ - Baptism of Jesus]

The wise men were the first representatives of nations coming to Jesus, the light of the world. By the time they arrived, they knew this was not just a future king worthy of gifts, but the Messiah, worthy of worship. We know Jesus as Saviour, revealing the love of God, and we worship him with joy. He is both our path and our journey's end. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/-5cuxnL5PwE [Organ - Epiphany]) (Note: This YouTube video starts late into the service, just before the Gospel and sermon.)

The Christmas story introduces a little baby born in tough, hard circumstances in a cattle shed. This little baby is God's big plan for you and for all people. The little one whose name is Jesus grew and gave his life for all people, that all who believe in him may live eternally, and be known as children of God. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/YMhVC5vdxZk [Prerecorded music - Christmas Day]) Repeated Sunday Dec 27th.

The story of th birth of Christ is quite amazing. From the seemingly rushed and uncertain aspects of his birth ti the amazing good news of great joy for all people. This Christmas 2020, put it all into perspective by stopping and treasuring the news for you, and urgently being ready to share the news with all. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/yASMgk_Xk3Q [Prerecorded music - Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols])

“May it be to me according to what you have said!” When Mary received the news and the promise that she would carry and give birth to Jesus, God’s Son, she was initially perplexed and wondered how this could be. What an announcement to receive! No wonder she was perplexed! But Mary hears the words of promise from God’s messenger and receives them in faith. “May it be as you have said.” Mary sits in faith with her vulnerability and trusts in the promise of God. God provides us with faith to do the same. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/OHqXbMyeE8Q [Prerecorded music - Advent 4])

"Advent Joy." Avent reminds us of what we have to be joyful about - what we have in Christ and what we are able to share with others. Scripture time and time again tells us the people of God are to rejoice. Where does your joy come from? What joy is reliable and lasting, even in tough times? The joy of the Lord! (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/nA7lkVLBiu8 [Prerecorded music - Advent 3])

John the Baptist's call to people to prepare the way of the Lord is an ancient call to Israel in captivity, and a present-day call to us. It's a call to daily receive the grace-filled rescue of God for us in our lives, to rejoice in God;s grace for us, and to go with the same loving call for people in our lives and our neighbourhoods, that as Christmas approaches, the God of grace comes for them. "Prepare the way of the Lord!" (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/_RMtAGiWykQ) [Prerecorded music - Advent 2)

As we anticipate Christmas, we prepare not only our homes but our hearts to celebrate God's care. He appeared in the flesh in his first Advent, and we look forward with sure hope for his return - but 'How long?' we pray. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/Pg-oHWdmRuM) [Prerecorded music - Advent 1]

St Paul makes a bold statement that God has put everything under Christ's feet and made him head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. It's a big call, and, wonderfully, God acts in and through his people to lovingly rule. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/R7JTGh6E3XE) [Prerecorded music - Last Sunday of the Church Year]

Today, Jesus tells of an encouraging master who wants his servants to share his joy and happiness. He gives them talents to use, and through good planning and appropriate risk-taking, that is what two of the servants do, and they receive the benefits. However, there is a warning for those who don't use the gift wisely, and don't take the appropriate risks to server others. How will we use the talents given to us? (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/Pm2gY62wp6k) [Prerecorded music - Pentecost 24]

Jesus' parable of the five wise and five foolish bridesmaids teaches us to be prepared, especially when the wait is a long one. In the story, the bridesmaids needed oil for their lamps; but what is it we need as we go through the time of waiting? What is our "oil", and how does God provide for us? (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/Rplj7X55wc4) [Prerecorded music - Pentecost 23]