In Sermons: showing 46-60 of 486

- Debate In The Temple Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 24, 2015

The Pharisees try to trap Jesus by questioning his authority, by asking about taxes paid to Caesar, the resurrection and which Law is greatest. Jesus rebuts all their attacks. But the battle isn't over. Satan continues his attacks on us today.

Sermon by Rev George Hemmings During my time at Ridley, one of the highlights was the debates. Sometimes there’d be big debates in class, as we tried to wrap our heads around big theological ideas. But the really great debates were the ones the student body organized. Two small teams of ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus Enters Jerusalem Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 24, 2015

The crowd failed to understand the nature of Jesus’ Kingship, the significance of his humble entry to Jerusalem. Jesus came as the Christ but he was the Christ, the Messiah, who's the suffering servant.

I wonder how many of you were around for the opening of Parliament house in 1988. We were living in Canberra at the time so it was a big event for us. The weekend before we took part in a prayer walk around the Parliament House hill with thousands of other Christians, but the big event was the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-25

Denomination: Anglican

Jerusalem Looms Ahead Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 24, 2015

If we try to be great in some other way than by becoming a servant, we'll lose whatever greatness we achieve. Only by becoming a slave of all, will we achieve greatness in God's Kingdom. The result is a life of following Jesus along the road to the cross

I got a new pair of glasses this week. Not my everyday glasses. These are ones that are made so I can see what's on my computer screen without ending up with a cricked neck. They're fantastic. They make the characters on the screen look perfectly in focus. They just have one drawback. If I forget ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-52

Denomination: Anglican

The Key To Gaining The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 24, 2015

The keys to gaining God's Kingdom? First come to it in trust and dependence like a little child. Second realise that we can't earn it in God's sight. Third be willing to give up everything in order to gain it. Finally be willing to put yourself last

I was at a local clergy gathering last week and the subject of children's ministry came up. One of the other ministers there commented that they'd had people complain that the children made too much noise. I'm afraid I had to admit that I too had heard the same complaint at St Theo's a number of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-31

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus Death & Discipleship Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

The call to be salty is a call for us to persevere as real disciples, who are inwardly pure. Who’ve held nothing back in following Jesus. It’s a call for us to be real disciples who welcome others and who glory in each other’s success.

This morning we remember those who served, and who gave their lives, in not just the Great War, but in all wars. We remember and give thanks for their dedication and service, their bravery and commitment. I know there are some here who have lost friends or family to war, or who have experienced ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-50

Denomination: Anglican

Mountain Top Glory & The Descent Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

It’s not by chance that Jesus takes his inner circle up a mountain to witness a most significant moment in their apprenticeship. There they see a manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus.On returning they're reminded of the reality of life in this world

Mountains play a large part in the history of Israel. It was on a mountain that Abraham proved his faith in God in preparing to offer his son Isaac to God as a sacrifice. It was on a mountain top that God showed Abraham all the land of Canaan and promised him all he could see in every direction. It ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-29

Denomination: Anglican

Physical & Spiritual Perception Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

How’s your eyesight? When you look at Jesus what do you see? A prophet, a teacher, or a miracle worker? If you see more than that, that he’s God’s anointed ruler, then are you taking up your cross every day and following him, submitting to his rule?

Sermon by Rev George Hemmings Last week I had an experience I’m not keen to repeat anytime soon. I had to go into VicRoads. After forty-five minutes I was still waiting for my number to be called. I don’t know how you pass the time in situations like that, but I found myself trying ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Faith Of Foreigners Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

The woman was rebuffed by Jesus, yet responded with a deep faith in God's love for all people independent of gender or race. The people of the Decapolis were presented with an overwhelming demonstration of Jesus' Messianic power yet without believing.

In the previous section of Mark 7 Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees over the issue of washing hands. He responds by pointing out that their reliance on their traditions has blinded them to the much more central issue of purity of heart. He points out to them that washing your hands won't make ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Anglican

The Secret To Purity Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

We need to filter out those things that will affect our thinking and then we need to make sure we test our thoughts and motives against the highest demands of the Kingdom, that is, inner purity and godly love.

I wonder how many of you have been watching the series “Meet the Amish” on SBS over the last 4 weeks. It’s been fascinating to watch a group of Amish young people experiencing the wider world after living a very sheltered life surrounded by a family and community dedicated to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Anglican

Food And Water Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

One of the challenges this passage lays upon us is to trust in God to provide for the little things. To pray just as earnestly that God would ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ And we’re to look out for God working in little ways in our lives.

Sermon by Rev George Hemmings It’s good to be back, after our little trip to Queensland. We had a great time away, visiting family and enjoying lots of fantastic weather. I can’t say we’ve returned well rested, as Micah & Joshua decided that since the sun rises sometime around ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13, Mark 6:30-56

Denomination: Anglican

Faith To Heal Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

The key to faith is in Jesus. His presence with the disciples is what matters. His call is to keep trusting, to keep focusing on him rather than on outward circumstances. Don’t be afraid, just believe.

If you were here last week you may remember that I asked whether you have trouble believing that God still intervenes in the world in a miraculous way. Well, a similar question arises today. Not whether you believe that God can answer your prayers, rather do you believe that he will answer your ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Anglican

Power Over Sea And Spirits Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

When we face some great obstacle or some uncontrollable force in our lives, we have a Lord with us who is greater than all the forces in the created world. We can pray to God with confidence that he’s able to do anything we ask.

Di & I were watching a show the other day where they were previewing the latest movies and one came up that we decided was just too close to the truth to bear watching. It was based on the tsunami in 2004. Do you remember it? Those horrific scenes of the ocean rolling in and swallowing everything ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Anglican

The Nature Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

If the gospel is good news why doesn’t everyone respond with joy? Jesus says he tells parables to filter out those who can't understand.

Do you see what I see? When you look at this picture, I wonder what you see? A young lady in silhouette, or a cartoon man playing the saxophone? There’s only one picture, but people see different things. By the end of Mark 3, the disciples must be wondering the same thing about Jesus. How ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-20

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus, Mad, Monster, Or Master? Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

How do you respond to Jesus? Like the Pharisees who want everything to be neat and tidy within clearly defined parameters? Like Jesus’ family who are embarrassed by him and doubt him? Or like those who followed him, even at the risk of their lives?

How much is too much? I’m not thinking about chocolate here. That’s an easy one. No, I’m thinking about ministry effort. When do you say enough is enough? Is it OK to say “I’ve done my 40 hours this week; now I’m going to stop and have a rest”? Or should ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Anglican

New Wine, New Wineskins Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

What are we responding to? Is it Jesus as Lord or is it some human religious system? Is our behaviour going to help others discover the good news of Jesus Christ? Will it help us proclaim forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name?

Most people dislike change. Some people think it’s a necessary evil; but evil nevertheless. But there are times when change is absolutely necessary; when the old ways won’t work; when the old ways will actually hinder the thing that’s coming. One such moment in time was at the ...read more

Denomination: Anglican