Tag Archives: war

Sermon: It is not going to make us any friends

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Avril Hannah-Jones

We are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth not in our own power, but in relationship with the God who feeds the birds of the air, clothes the lilies of the field, and loves his enemies all the way to the cross. At a time when the ostensibly Christian Secretary of War of the United States of America has quoted Psalm 144, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle,” in a Pentagon Press Conference it is more important than ever to say that the Sermon on the Mount is no utopian hope or airy-fairy dream. It is the way all Christians are called to live, to the best of our ability. Continue reading →

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Ephesians 6:10-20: The Armour of God and the Gospel of Peace

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Avril Hannah-Jones

It is in its resistance to the forces of evil, its working for peace, its prayer for the community, that the church lives out its calling as the body of Christ. So, put on your military equipment, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Even when there is no peace

Posted on December 9, 2023 by Avril Hannah-Jones

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 →

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Reflection for ANZAC Day

Posted on April 24, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Today we remember all those affected by war; commemorate all those who were injured or killed in war; mourn with all those who lost people they loved; recognise all those who conscientiously refused to fight. We also pledge ourselves to do everything possible to prevent war, so that future generations will not have to experience its horrors. Continue reading →

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