Lutheran - St. Paul's Sydney Podcast

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St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sydney, Australia.A regular podcast from  St Paul's Sydney Lutheran Church, Australia. www.sydney.lutheran.org.au

  1. 4D AGO

    6th. Sunday after Epiphany - Our Brilliant Saviour

    This week’s Gospel Matthew 17:1-9  shares the story of God’s confirmation that Jesus is God’s Son. Imagine being surprised by someone you know being transformed into a glowing, white presence! Peter said, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here’. The brilliant light of Jesus lifted his heart! When God confirmed Jesus as God’s son, Peter was struck with awesome fear.    I can’t help but think of who we follow these days- those who illuminate themselves with light. It might be an Instagram influencer with a ring light, or a news reader under the studio spotlight- we listen carefully to the news they bring and we try to follow in the paths they might lead us. But Jesus was lit with an inner light- a brilliant glow that signified He is the Son of God. When God spoke, he brought this realisation into Peter’s heart, transforming him. It was Jesus who told him not to be afraid.    Let’s think again about those influencers and their spotlights. They use artificial lights that help to enhance their message but the paths they draw us down often lead to fear, anxiety or doubt that peace will ever reign. What instead if we turn to Jesus, whose pure light from within signifies that He is the true guide to follow? He speaks peace, and casts away fear. Let’s imagine ourselves surrounded by that ‘bright cloud’ that holds God’s glory this week, and seek to be true followers of Jesus, with peaceful hearts. Amen. Message Presented by Rev. Dr. Don Wicklman.   Support the show

    19 min

  2. FEB 8

    5th. Sunday after Epiphany - We Are the Salt and Light of Christ

    This week’s Gospel reading Matthew 5:13-20,  speaks of salt and light. Imagine going out for a really good meal- the table is set and you’re with great company. You’re full of anticipation, ready to enjoy the food brought to the table. But precisely as the dishes are delivered, the waiter blows out the candles on your table. You’re plunged into darkness. The food is placed on the table and you begin (with difficulty) to eat. It’s then that you discover not only can you not see the good food- it’s tasteless, with no seasoning at all. How might your experience of the meal be affected?              Now consider our human life and that of others being like this same meal. Although God made a world that is good, we live in darkness- surrounded by sin and its effects. How can we shine God’s light in this context? How about the food? Could we add the goodness of a sprinkle of God’s Word to every day? How might this change the experiences of ourselves and those around us? Let’s pray this week to be someone who reflects the light and goodness of God to others, working with God to bring His Kingdom more fully into our world. Amen. The message was presented by Pr. Allan Taruste   Support the show

    16 min

  3. FEB 1

    4th. Sunday after Epiphany - If I Told You It Wouldn't Be A Surprise

    We hear often that God’s Kingdom is an upside-down Kingdom.  Today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 5:1-12 which incorporates the Sermon on the Mount, reminds us of this. Here on earth we celebrate ‘big’ wins, ‘striving for goals’ and ‘likes’. We pay little attention to small things, or things that need extra care- although sometimes these are the very things we might find most beautiful! Have you ever seen a peacock spider? I encourage you to look it up and see if you can watch one dance! We could squash a peacock spider with our size and hurry- while striving towards our next goal.   Yet God is attentive to the small things- not kings but children; not wise men but those who starve beyond the city gates. There is hope for all of us in this. We will always find someone ‘above’ us, with more ‘likes’, or more lofty goals. It might make us feel weak, insignificant or overlooked. Yet in the Kingdom of God we are loved, valued and ‘seen’- with just as much beauty as our Creator has given us. We are as brightly shining in the eyes of our Father as that peacock spider! May we see others with those same eyes this week. Amen. Message presented by Dr. Bruce Arnold.  Support the show

    15 min

  4. JAN 25

    3rd. Sunday after Epiphany - Be United in the Same Mind

    Have you ever had a perfect relationship? Do you have a friend or loved one that you’ve never had an argument with, never forgotten something important about, or who you always treat really well? No? Usually we can identify things in our relationships that are a source of hurt or harm; it’s part of being human. We aren’t Jesus! This week Paul 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 reminds us that we are all united in the family of God, and that we should do our best to stay in relationship with one another. The example of the Trinity- our God who is ‘Three-In-One’, perfect in love and relationship, is the same example God’s people should follow. We should follow Jesus. Let’s try each morning to remember that Jesus’ way is also our way. Each time we try our relationships will have a better chance of flourishing, and flourishing in His love is God’s plan! Amen.  Message presented by Pastor Ray Pace of Toowoomba Qld Support the show

    14 min

  5. JAN 18

    2nd. Sunday after Epiphany: Baptized through God's Spirit of Life, into Life Abundant

    This week’s Gospel reading John 1:29-42  contains an exciting declaration! Andrew says to Simon, “We have found the Messiah”, and brings Simon to Jesus. How do you think you would have felt, knowing you had found your long-promised King and Saviour? Jesus was the Christ, who would draw all people back to a loving and true relationship with God.              What, these days, might spark the same excitement? I wonder how the social isolation many feel, or the disconnected and fragmented state of our communities, or even our leaders in troubling times- might really respond to the news, “We have found the Messiah.” And how would we take those people around us to Jesus, to see for themselves?              We can’t physically take people to meet our Messiah, but we CAN show Him to them, by actively embodying the examples He gave of loving others, caring for those around him, trusting in God and always giving thanks. We might even share His word with them! May someone in your community find Jesus in you this week. Amen. Message presented by Pastor Allan Taruste    Support the show

    15 min

  6. 12/28/2025

    1st. Sunday after Christmas - Messy, Costly and Complicated

    Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season! As we remember the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ once again, may we be filled with hope and great joy. We are also fast approaching the beginning of a new year. This may bring feelings of trepidation alongside those of anticipation. The world is changing quickly, and in ways we often don’t expect. Just as in Matthew’s Gospel reading for this week, when Joseph was awakened and sent on an unexpected journey, we need to listen for God’s voice and guidance as 2026 arrives. May you reflect on the blessings of this year as New Year’s Eve approaches and place full trust in God and His tremendous love for you as the clock ticks over into the 1st of January. May we all be ready to make more space for Jesus in our hearts in 2026. Amen. Message presented by Pastor Stephen Schultz of Hahndorf SA Support the show

    14 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    Christmas Day 25 - Christmas - The Musical

    Written and presented by Dr. Bruce Arnold Support the show

    15 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    AI and searching for God's real love Bishop Richard's HOPE FM

    Bishop Richard Schwedes' interview on HOPE FM  AI and searching for God's real love.     Support the show

    5 min
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St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sydney, Australia.A regular podcast from  St Paul's Sydney Lutheran Church, Australia. www.sydney.lutheran.org.au

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