St Paul's Box Hill Podcasts

Our stories are important. They tell us who we are, and what our lives are about. But God's story tells us WHOSE we are, and that transforms our stories into stories of hope. Our stories show that God has always been with us; and so we can trust that he is with us for the next part of the journey. [Organ - Pentecost 17]

Jesus summarized how we should live in these terms: first, loving God, and then serving those in need. His parable of the rich man with Lazarus lying at his gate, unaided, was very counter-cultural, and still speaks strongly to us today. [Organ - Pentecost 16]

Today, congregation member David, who has spent almost 7 years coming to services in a wheelchair, walked into church. Truly a time for thanksgiving, on this Thanksgiving Sunday. (We also gave very generously to our Emergency Food Bank pantry, serving those who need some help.) As Paul encouraged Timothy, we pray always with thanksgiving. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 15/Thanksgiving Sunday]

When we talk of love, we're not talking mushy stuff. We're talking a decision to put others first and serve them, even in the worst of circumstances (hear, for example, today's story of Eugenie). Fortunately, this is what God does for us - always! So let's celebrate! [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 14]

In the days when salt was much more than a flavouring - it was also a preservative, an antiseptic, and used as currency - Jesus said to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." He also taught that there is a cost in staying salty and being a disciple: our self-interest has to die away, so that we can live for others, being salt to the world. [Organ/choir - Pentecost 13]

(Father's Day in Australia.) Jesus went to a Sabbath lunch at a Pharisee's house, and through parables gave good advice to guests and host about being graceful in table fellowship. Theses are lessons not just for the table, but for life. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 12]

We sometimes wonder what is God doing here? Certainly the woman healed in the synagogue, the last time that Jesus taught there before his journey to the Cross, was surprised by God's action for her. And what is God working in this place? [Organ/Choir & Cantata - Pentecost 11]

Jesus wanted us to become as skilled at "reading the times" as we are at reading the weather. Surely these are times when together we look to Jesus, and welcome and encourage each other. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 10]

From the angels announcing the Saviour to the astonished shepherds, through to Jesus' last days, the message is repeated: Fear not! Don't be afraid! Yet this is often hard to hear, hard to understand, hard to believe in our anxious days in this world. We need to spend time faithfully, each day, listening to the promises of Jesus. [Piano/Choir - Pentecost 9]

Unexpected outcomes leave our community divided at the moment. Paul's words to the Colossians still resonate for us today. [Organ - Pentecost 8]

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he taught them that we are all his sisters and brothers, and can all call boldly on OUR Father. He also taught us to be intercessors - that is, those who pray for others, asking for the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Organ/Choir - Pentecost 7]

These days there seems to be a welcome return to the concept of a "balanced life". But how are we to understand the story of Mary and Martha, when Jesus came to visit? Maintaining balance means that we must never lose sight of the "one thing necessary". [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 6]

We are very used to hearing about the Good Samaritan, and hearing that he is an example to us all. But what if, in his own day, Jesus' story was not just an 'example' story, but even more of a 'reversal' story, aimed at breaking up the preconceptions of his hearers - and of us? [Organ - Pentecost 5]

Jesus sent out the 70 with instructions to travel light, carrying nothing but his message, and relying on the hospitality of those along the way. Are we called on the same urgent mission? Yes, motivated by the assurance of Christ for us. [Organ - Pentecost 4]

Today Paul describes for us the fruit of the Spirit, and Jesus calls us to follow him in that Spirit. Too often people say "Yeah, but…". Let's not sit on our "yeah but"s! [Instrumental strings/Pentecost 3]

The life of an outstanding Australian, and today's story of Elijah the prophet, both bring us the same message. Keep on turning up. Turn up, and make a difference. Turn up, and tell what God is doing for us. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 2]

The movie "The Shawshank Redemption" helps us understand the importance of hope in our lives. Paul's letter to the Romans reminds us that we have a hope that does not disappoint, that does not depend on our own resources. [Organ/Choir - Trinity Sunday]

Pentecost is when we remember the Holy Spirit coming to the disciples in miraculous ways. But we really misunderstand if we think the Spirit is only about miraculous signs. And we really misunderstand if we think the spirit world is somehow removed from the daily realities of life for us. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost]

There is certainly evil in the world, and enough bad things happen for people to say "Surely there is no God." But for those of us who listen to his Word, we know his heart for all people to be saved. We know his Spirit is with us. And as Paul wrote, we must see with the eyes of our hearts. "Behold, I am making all things new!" And we are invited to participate. [Organ/Choir - Ascension]

Today's cantata performance (BWV 59), and a bubbling brook near Lydia in Greece - both are means of refreshment in our busy lives. God stands ready to refresh and strengthen us whenever we turn to him. [Organ/Choir - Easter 6]