Tag Archives: John the Baptist
The Gift of Peace: God’s Love for All
The reflection for North Balwyn Uniting Church on the Second Sunday of Advent emphasizes the contrasting visions of Zechariah and John the Baptist. While Zechariah holds a nationalistic hope for Israel’s redemption, John’s message calls for a wider, personal vision of repentance and peace. Paul reinforces that true righteousness stems from love, not mere religious identity. As Christians prepare for Christ’s arrival, they are urged to pursue and embody peace in a troubled world. Continue reading
Sermon: Even when there is no peace
Reflection for North Balwyn Uniting Church Advent Two, 10th of December 2023 Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Thousands of years ago the first of the three prophets we call Isaiah looked forward to the coming of a king from … Continue reading
Sermon: Peace Sunday
I suspect that the people of Israel heard this prophecy as true for the same reason that we are hearing it in church two thousand years after the birth of the one we Christians believe is the Messiah. Prophecies of the peaceable kingdom speak to our deepest longings. They describe what we believe, in the core of our hearts and our guts, God’s good creation should be. Continue reading
Sermon: Rejoicing and repenting, or vice versa
We know that poverty and disaster can cause people to feel ashamed if they need help. Australia was for so long considered to be a ‘working man’s paradise’ that it was even a joke in an Agatha Christie story. A wealthy young man disowned by his uncle asks his uncle’s butler whether he should leave for Australia.
Rogers coughed discreetly.
‘Well, sir, I’ve certainly heard it said that there’s room out there for anyone who really wants to work.’
Mr Rowland gazed at him with interest and admiration.
‘Very neatly put, Rogers. Just what I was thinking myself. I shan’t go to Australia – not today, at any rate.’[2] Continue reading
Sermon: Would we really want God to appear?
Undoubtedly Zechariah would have asked God to allow him and Elizabeth to have a son, and in his song we hear his gratitude not only for this gift but for the liberation of his people, but there is no doubt that this appearance of the Lord has deeply disrupted his life. Continue reading
Reflection: Chaos and Creation
As Australians watching, we need to celebrate those striving for justice and condemn those fighting to overturn a democratic election. And we need to ensure that in our own country, we do the same; that as part of the Australian community we are on the side of love and justice. Because that is the side of God. Continue reading
Sermon Against the Prosperity Gospel
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, neither success nor failure, wealth nor poverty, health nor sickness, happiness nor despair. Continue reading
Sermon: God’s Humanity
even more important than the details of the incarnation is the simple point of the incarnation. In Jesus, God became one of us. In Jesus, God embraced humanity. Continue reading
Sermon: Loving ‘white supremacists’
In the baptism of Jesus God acted in solidarity with all humanity; following his example let us stand in solidarity with each other. Continue reading
Sermon: Love and Solidarity
In Jesus God is acting in solidarity with humanity, and so be watching what Jesus does we can see what we are called to do; what it means to be human beings living in relationship with God. Continue reading
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