Sermons / Talks

Recent Sermons

• Friday, 18 April 2025

  A Man Leaving His Mark

  from Bernard Gabbott

  The events of Good Friday have significant impact. Jesus, the outsider deals with sin in the only way possible. It involves an excruciating death, burial and is final. There are insults and mockery, confusion and speculation abound. Jesus, the outsider has left His mark.

• Sunday, 13 April 2025

  A Substitute

  from Andrew McClenaghan

  In today’s passage it’s Good Friday, the saddest day in human history. But hidden amongst the lies and deception and betrayal are glimmers of hope. The great African American preacher S.M. Lockridge wrote a reflection on this time in Holy week. Here’s what he has to say in part, “It’s Thursday, and Jesus is praying. Peter is sleeping, Judas is betraying, but Sunday’s coming. It’s Friday, Pilate’s struggling. The council is conspiring, the crowd is vilifying. They don’t even know that Sunday’s coming. It’s Friday, the disciples are running like sheep without a shepherd. Peter is denying, Mary is crying, but they don’t know that Sunday’s a coming. It’s Friday. The Romans beat my Jesus. They robe him in Scarlet, they crown him with thorns, but they don’t know that Sunday’s coming. It’s Friday, see Jesus walking to Calvary, his blood dripping, his body stumbling and his spirit burdened. It’s Friday, only Friday, but let me tell you something: Sunday’s a coming!” The Son of Man is more ‘outside’ than ever before. Betrayed, rejected, beaten and handed over to be crucified. Majestically silent, confident in his father’s plans. So much more than just a king of the Jews, he’s King of all Kings.

• Sunday, 6 April 2025

  Trials of Faith

  from Dan Rowe

  “… “But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then the disciples deserted him and ran away.” With these words we were left on a cliff hanger. Jesus has become the Outsider. Deserted by his disciples, just betrayed by Judas, captured like a criminal. He is led away to face trial, but as we’ll see he is not the only one on trial. It is a trial of faith. For the Sanhedrin, Peter and Jesus. Ultimately it boils down to how they view the word of God. Do they reject it, are fearful of others above it or submit to it and rest in its promises. Jesus reveals his nature on his terms. Revelation brought through God’s word brings exposure. What does it reveal about us?