St Paul's Box Hill Podcasts

“What does Pentecost mean to you?” This is the question (or answer) we look at today. It should mean quite a lot, because it is considered the “birthday” of the church. “What does the power of God mean to you?” This is also a Pentecost question. This day was the fulfilment of the promise of Jesus, to send “power” (literally, dynamite) to the church. Come and get it! [Organ/Choir - Pentecost]

These days we're used to flying; but what was the ascension of Jesus, and what did it mean for the apostles and the early church? [Organ/Choir - Ascension]

Someone asked, “What language does God speak?” The answer came back, “dreams and visions.” Since before time God himself had a dream and a vision of the kind of world he would create. The type of people and animals that would inhabit it. We’re it. You’re it. If you feel you’re falling a bit short of the mark, come and be refreshed by considering God’s dream and vision for you. [Organ/Choir - Easter 6]

In Jesus' day, orthodox Jews were absolutely certain that they were God's chosen people, and everyone else was an outsider (or Gentile). For a simple, devout Jew like Peter, it came a a profound shock when God taught him that the Messiah came, died, and was resurrected for ALL people. God did not want to play those insider/outsider games. And so, neither should we. [Piano/Choir - Easter 5]

Every individual is precious and important, created in the image of God. That's why it's good to hear, in Acts, of individual believers: because God is personal. Today we hear about Tabitha (in Greek, Dorcas), a disciple renowned for her loving works for others. When she dies, we see the community swing into action. And we see that Peter prays, and then in Jesus' power, he raises her from the dead. [Organ/Choir - Good Shepherd Sunday]

Trust is hard to come by in the modern world. We have been let down so often by political leaders, by business, and by each other. But when we cannot trust, our hearts shrivel and our life is diminished. Today's cantata reminds us that there is One in whom we can trust completely. That trustworthiness is based in his Love, shown in the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. (This address followed a performance of Bach's cantata BWV 93 Wer nur den lieben Gott laesst walten (If we will trust in God to guide us). [Orchestra/Choir - Easter 3]

As Jesus cried out from the cross "It is finished!", his bodily work on earth was done. But for his church, starting with his befuddled disciples and continuing on through us, the work was only just beginning. [Organ - Easter 2]

Are you looking for life? What does it mean to be a “walking resurrection”? How do I find such faith? Easter/resurrection morning is the day that changed everything. Before then it was all “nonsense” or an “idle tale.” Come, listen, ask, seek, knock and find the life everlasting that God offers and provides to us and everyone. [Organ/Choir - Easter Day]

A special Good Friday service combining various Bible readings, music, and the imagined voices of those gathered around the Passion of Christ. (Source: Iona Community) [Blended music - Good Friday]

Compared with political candidates today, what chance would Jesus have if he stood for election? His power, with its embodiment of love, turns the world upside down. Nothing like a conquering general or a multi-millionaire, he gives us a new vision of a servant king. This is the model we too are called to follow. [Organ/Choir - Palm Sunday]

When’s the last time you’ve gotten into a fight? The Bible teaches we wake up in a battle zone every day. How ready are you to “fight the good fight”? What’s the difference between a “good” and “bad” fight? These are the sorts of things the Scriptures teach us about as we conclude our series: Teach Us to Pray. [Organ/Choir - Lent 5]

When's the last time you heard from God? Not lately? Not so clear? Well, listen in. God is still speaking, in a variety of ways. He's talking to you! Come and explore how you can better hear what He is saying, not only to you, but to others as well. "People do not live by bread alone..." [Organ/Choir - Lent 4]

Feeling a bit tired? Warn out? Like maybe you want to just give up? Be encouraged. You are not alone. God has provided the means by which we can do it. We can last. We can accomplish all that He has planned for us. Tune in to find out about Persevering Prayer. (This sermon followed a performance of Bach's cantata BWV 124 “Meinen Jesum lass ich nicht” (I will not let go of my Jesus). [Organ/Choir - Lent 3]

Intercession means praying for others, and petition means praying for ourselves. We can do these things, because the Bible tells us that God listens. Jesus himself shows us how to pray in both these ways. And there are some simple guidelines for getting started. [Organ/Choir - Lent 2]

Prayer flows out of God's gift of relationship with us through his Son, Jesus. Prayer starts with thanking and praising God for his power, love and majesty. God's word gives us the words to get started in praise. This is what sustained Jesus in his temptation, and it anchors our prayers and our faith too. [Organ/Choir - Lent 1]

When's the last time you've had a mountain top experience with God? If you have, how long did it last? If you haven't, would you like one? Transfiguration is about getting an update of our personal profile with God. He wants it to last. Not only that, but he wants us to grow and become more and more like Jesus. [Organ/Choir - Transfiguration]

How can the good news of God's love upset people? When those on the inside don't think that God's grace should extend to the outside. But Jesus' words and actions show that the forgotten people are the focus of God's care. Jesus' mission is to demonstrate God's love to all people, without exception. This is how he calls the church to love also. [Organ/Choir - Epiphany 4]

The beginning of each year is a time of setting out or agenda, personally and professionally. In today’s Gospel, Jesus lets the words of the prophet Isaiah shape his agenda. His core mission is to bring God’s kingdom rule that changes hearts and lives. This is every Christian’s agenda too: to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. [Organ / Epiphany 3]

When’s the last time you’ve been invited to a wedding? God says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a wedding feast, and the good news is that we’re ALL invited! Not only invited but called to be a part of it. The news gets even better. We are gifted in many and various ways to know life at its fullest and best.

What are your expectations this year? Are they great or small? Why or why not? What does God expect of us? More importantly, what do we expect from God? This is where our meditation takes us to today, as we look at what John the Baptist and others expected. Then we see how Jesus and God speak into what we are to expect. [Organ - Baptism of Jesus]