preview

The First Law of Holes

Share to

22 September, 2024Pastor John Strelan

Tone deaf. Oblivious. An inability to read the room. Thick as two bricks. Call it what you will. It is clear that Jesus’ disciples were clueless. Jesus had just finished telling them (again!) that he would be betrayed, arrested, killed and rise again. One might reasonably expect that information might be of interest to them! But, no, there’s something else on their minds. They are more interested in debating who is the greatest! Methinks someone needed to take away their shovel.

 

Mark 9:30-37

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.’ 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’ 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.’

More From 'Sermons'

Mark 9:38-50

29 September, 2024 Ryan Kennealy (Lay Reader)

In Mark 9:38-50, Jesus emphasizes the priceless value of faith, urging us to recognise what is truly precious. Just as we protect and cherish our most valuable possessions, Jesus calls us to guard our faith with even greater care. We are infinitely precious to God, and the gift of faith He gives us is beyond compare. Jesus warns us to avoid anything that could harm our own faith or cause others to lose theirs. As we reflect on this message, may we treasure our connection to God, nurturing the precious gift of faith that unites us to Him eternally.

NOTE: There is no audio recording of this sermon.

View

Take up your cross

15 September, 2024 Pastor John Strelan

The American psychiatrist, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is well known for her five stage model of grief, which describes the inevitable human journey of dealing with death and dying. The stages are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. It’s a tried and true model.

As Jesus and his followers journey towards Jerusalem, Peter is well and truly stuck in the first stage. He can’t stand to hear Jesus talk about death. Most people I know are like Peter. But, dying is something every single person has to face. It is unavoidable. According to Kubler-Ross’s scheme, the lucky ones reach acceptance. Emotionally, that’s a great place to be. But, still, the result is death: the end of life.

If Jesus of Nazareth had become a psychiatrist instead of a carpenter I’m sure he would have added a sixth stage: hope.

Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem is a journey to the cross, a journey to death. It’s the human journey. But, Jesus calls his disciples to a new way of thinking and being. A way of thinking and being where the acceptance of death is not the final stage, but the first stage, the first stage of life. And, after acceptance comes hope.

Please note: The recorded sermon audio is taken from the 10am School Service on Sunday 15th Sept. A different sermon 'Take up your cross' was given at our 8.30am service, and you can find the printed copy here.

View

Crumbs (Mark 7:24-30)

8 September, 2024 Pastor John Strelan

Who is God?

What is God?

Omniscient? Yes!

Omnipotent? Yes!

Omnipresent? Yes!

Infinite? Yes!

Triune? Yes!

But, God is more than that . . .

View