St Paul's Box Hill Podcasts

What does it mean to be a living sacrifice to God? First we recognize God's mercy, and the redeeming work of Christ. Next, we totally surrender ourselves to God, following his will in place of our own. Third, we are transformed: instead of being forced into the patterns of this world, we are moulded by God through relationship with him. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 11 ]

Australia now is a multi-cultural nation. In that way, it's similar to the environment where Christ first announced the Good News. In today's Gospel, we have the good news shared with an outsider, a foreigner, and a woman (all categories that good Jewish men then shunned). We are the people of God, called to live and serve as he did -- without barriers. [ Instrumental - Pentecost 10 - Baptism of Willow M ]

The dramatic scenes of the night-time storm on the Sea of Gallilee, when Jesus walked across the waves to the boat holding the astonished disciples, speak strongly into the storms in our own lives. Peter tried walking on the water to meer Jesus; but when his faith faltered, he sank, and it was Jesus who grabbed him and lifted him to safety. Jesus rescues our little faith, takes our hand, does not let go, and saves us. Trust him. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 9 ]

God has treasure waiting for each of us, treasure we need to uncover. To find it we need three things: a map that marks the spot (where the spot is compassion); motivation, which is our personal responsibility; and we need God's miracles, blessing what we give and multiplying it to bring blessing to others. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 8 ]

Our church plant is being dwarfed by new high-rise developments. Rather like the parable of the mustard seed, perhaps, soon we will be the smallest seed in the garden. But the parables of Jesus speak of the kingdom life as small, quiet, unexpected, and a surprising gift of grace. So it is in the little things, small services done for "the least of these", that we live out the kingdom life, one step at a time. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 7 ]

We are stirred by big dreams, and need big visions for following God's purposes. We need a growing awareness of his presence, and of the way our lives (where we are) belong to him. We carry the Spirit with us wherever we go. And this means that it is a time to make vows. Jacob made three vows: submission to God; to be a temple of the Holy Spirit; and to give generously. Jacob's vision of a stairway to heaven encourages us, too, to live as children of God. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 6 ]

Life is "rich and full", as our holidays make very clear. Our lives seem to have no limits. But the greatest danger in this rush is that we have no time to stop and soak in the world of God. In the Parable of the Sower, we are the seed falling among the thorns: the Word is choked. We need to calm this craziness, step back, and see this situation through the eyes of God. And hear again the truth of God's love for us. [ Organ - Pentecost 5 ]

Each generation thinks they will make good the world. But the generation that Jesus wants is characterised by three things: on-going repentence, on-going action, and then a generation that can rest in Christ. In fact, this is not any single generation, but all generations together. [ Organ - Pentecost 4 ]

Paul describes us as instruments of grace. Every instrument (or tool) is tested, as Abraham was tested. Yet we also see that where God guides, God provides (as he provided the ram for Abraham's sacrifice). Thirdly, God also rewards those who are faithful instruments of his grace. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 3 - Baptism of Isobel G ]

Here in Australia, we know nothing like the persecution of Christians taking place in other parts of the world. We face only mockery and the corruption of the symbols of our faith in the service of Mammon. Jesus warned that following him would be tough: look what they did to the Master. But he encourages us to keep the faith, for this alone is the path to salvation. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 2 - Baptism of Felix C ]

For Trinity Sunday, Pastor Aldis focuses on three aspects of God that are about "all" (for which the Latin word is "omni"): all powerful, all loving, and all knowing. [ Organ/Choir - Trinity Sunday ]

In Australia, the driest continent, we can identify with the Jewish gratitude for water, and why remembering the provision of water in the desert was so important in the Feast of the Tabernacles. It's therefore a very appropriate image when Jesus talks of the Spirit as "the water of life". Today, as four young people are confirmed in their baptismal vows, may we all overflow with this water of life to share it with those around us. [ Blended - Pentecost - Confirmation ]

Our society confuses (and restricts) sexuality to speak only about sexual intercourse itself. But "social sexuality" is a whole complex of gender-based realities, as well as (or apart from) that one thing. God's plan is for our whole being, not for a fragment that we set up as an idol. From this, Bishop Greg draws suggestions for folks at many different stages of life. [ Thomas Placee - Ascension Day ]

[ Organ/Choir - Ascension Day ]

There are truly horrific stories of the survival of orphans in the modern world, who do it as tough as orphans in Jesus' own time. And perhaps we all feel alone and lost from time to time. Today, Jesus promises that he will not leave us as orphans. He promises the Spirit to make us part of God's family. If you are feeling distant from God, fnd a quiet space, and spend some time asking the Holy Spirit to fill you with the love of the Father. [ Organ/Choir - Easter 6 ]

To conclude a series called "Just Start Talking", we explore talking and living out a witness to others. Firstly, this witness cannot be faked. It arises naturally from the Spirit within us. Secondly, we need just to talk. Talking about our lives (not whinging, but discussing) can be a powerful witness. This is particularly true of the way we handle difficulties and suffering. Finally, we can talk about what we (and others) are becoming, through grace. [ Organ/Choir - Easter 5 ]

This brief address followed immediately after a live performance of J.S. Bach's cantata BWV 112, "Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt" (The Lord is my faithful shepherd). Both were part of worship for Good Shepherd Sunday. [ Orchestra/Choir - Easter 4/Good Shepherd - J.S. Bach Cantata BWV 112 ]

Thomas Place evening services, the first Sunday of each month, digs into big questions. This month: Does constant repetition of the Lord's Prayer make it nothing more than meaningless ritual? Senior Pastor Andrew Brook considers the places of written and spontaneous prayers, and the special place of this prayer, taught to us by Jesus. He also points to ways to find new riches in this precious gift. [ Thomas Place - Easter 3 ]

Burning hearts change lives. When our hearts burn, we walk and we talk, we ask questions; and we invite people in. All these elements are visible in todays Gospel about the risen Jesus meeting the disciples on the road to Emmaus. [ Organ/Choir - Easter 3 ]

Christians often feel out of step with the world around us, and that is not a bad thing. We may be in very lucky places; but we are not to be conformed to this world, not to be sucked in by materialism. We get our value from only one place: the fact that Jesus Christ thought we were worth rescuing, at the cost of his own life. A life of thanksgiving is one appropriate response. Today Peter tells us to always be ready to give an account of our story in God. We don't need fancy technical language. Just our story, told like it is. [ Organ - Easter 2 ]