Merri Creek Anglican

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.