St Matthews Anglican Church 6pm Sermons St Matthews West Pennant Hills

 20240504 6PMp CD Walking with Jesus
We resume our series in Luke’s Gospel, ch 9., where Jesus calls his disciples together, gives them power to cast out demons, and to heal, and he sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God.  Herod, the tetrarch hears about at what is happening.   When the disciples return, they withdraw to a quiet place, but the crowds find out and follow them.   Jesus welcomes the crowd, teaches them about the Kingdom, heals them and despite the disciples’ concerns, they are then fed. 
What are the lessons we can learn from these events?
Speaker: Chris Donald.

20240428 6PMp DT Facing Trials alone
Being alone and feeling alone is something many people may experience and this may be especially true for people who are Christians. Christian ministry is often doing something for someone else.  But often this means being alone.  True for Jesus and true for his followers. 
Paul has been through many trials, yet Paul held the view that God is faithful.  Paul was facing trial in Rome, he said that all had deserted him, and no one stood up for him, but yet the Lord stood by him, and at his defence, he was able to explain the gospel message to the Gentiles.
God has shown himself faithful throughout history of his people.  Jesus declared that he will be with his disciples even until the end of the age.  Paul knew God’s faithfulness explained in the Old Testament scriptures.  Paul was empowered to stand before the Roman authorities and declare the gospel, to testify about Jesus, that he died and rose again to deliver us from our sins.
The situation can happen to us. What will we do? Will we stand firm and testify for Jesus?
We have been given a Hope, to be with Jesus, in the heavenly kingdom. 
Speaker: David Tyndall. 

20240421 6PMp RI Paul advises Timothy on Preaching God’s Word.
What do you long for? 
Paul’s word to Timothy is to preach the Word of God, (not just what people might want to hear!).
Teach in patience and perform the whole duty.
Advice to us, from the passage, is: Long for the appearing of Jesus.  And be open to hearing the message from God’s Word. 
Look for a preacher who you can trust. Look for the preacher of good character. 
The faithful minister will prepare you for the Lord Jesus’s appearing. 
The posture of our heart will influence the impact of God’s Word on our lives. 
Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-6.
Speaker: Ron Irving.

20240414 6PMp RI How to shape your trust, Timothy
Continuing our sermon series on Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:12-14
Advice to Timothy to continue in the faith that he has learned, knowing those from whom he has learned it.  The preacher explains that it matters who you follow, because by following the wrong guide, you may end up in trouble or in the wrong place! Timothy has been guided by his mother and grandmother, and by Paul, and he has known the Holy Scriptures since infancy.  Through Scripture, God speaks to us! Scripture will make you wise to salvation, and through it God speaks to us. Through Scripture, we can be equipped for every good work.  There are many resources available to us, but beware of relying just on them, because it is God’s Word which can make us wise and equip us for every good work.
Speaker: Ron Irving.  

20240407 6PMp Advice to Timothy and to us
2 Timothy 3:1-13
Paul has been setting up churches, but now, from prison has been writing letters. 
Paul is setting expectations for Timothy and explains what may happen in “the last days”.  People will be lovers of self rather than lovers of God, and some will be led astray.  This may happen from outside but also from within the church community. 
Where can we find a different strength when there are terrible attacks from within?
Hold fast to the truth. And actually live out the way of truth.  Hold firm in character, and in action.     
We and others can learn by following faithful followers of Jesus, such as Paul.
We can find a different strength by knowing and holding fast to the truth.
Our positive examples can point others to Jesus.
Speaker: Chris Donald

20240331 6PMp RI Jesus is risen!
Mark 16: 1-8.  John 11: 25-27.
When you witness something amazing, you don’t just watch.
As you are invited into this empty tomb, what do you see? Do you see “He who is the resurrection and the life”? He who is risen invites you know new life. Jesus wants to call you “his friend”. If Jesus has been raised, then to just sit idly by makes a person irrelevant.
Jesus was crucified.  Jesus has risen! He calls us to follow him. His arms are wide open to welcome you.
Speaker: Ron Irving.