St Michael's talks & sermons

Getting closer to Lent, the Gospel episodes from the lectionary sequence show opposition to Jesus growing on the way to Easter. As a blind man is healed by Jesus, rather than compelling belief, an undeniable miracle seems to lead to dispute and reinterpretation. In this sermon, Tim argues that faith is not an intellectual conclusion you can reason from a safe distance, but it's a trust you act...

Matthew reflects on Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well - taking us through the historical and cultural context. As this marginalised woman became a witness to many, Matthew also challenged us to consider the difference between 'attractional ministry' and Jesus' model of going out and sharing faith. Who might we consider Samaritans in our own lives and how can we...

Tim explores the Transfiguration in this sermon, considering that strange moment when Jesus is revealed in full glory before three bewildered disciples and why it might exactly the vision we need in the sombre season of Lent. As Lenten practices clear the way to hear Jesus' voice and find courage to shine his light - we're invited to ask ourselves, 'what would it look like to go up the mountain an...

The forty days of Lent in the church calendar echo Jesus' temptations in the wilderness as described in Matthew 4. In this sermon Rebecca investigates the meaning of Lent and why it matters. As temptation distorts good things sought apart from trust in the Father, we are encouraged into, "..allowing our habits and routines to be disrupted and reshaped, so that we are formed as disciples,...

Tim takes on the next part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus takes God's law deeper from external rule keeping to an inner heart-level righteousness that reflects the character of the Father. As we move into the season of Lent the invitation to practical response is clear, and we know the goodness of the Jesus way, where our part starts with the heart. Gospel reading and key text Mat 5:2...

Starting with Jesus' call to his followers to be salt and light in the Gospel of Matthew - in this sermon Tim contrasts an oftentimes bleak, cynical view of humanity with this charge to live visibly different lives shaped by the Spirit and his purposes. Listen for Bugonia spoilers, four practical cautions about living the Jesus way, and to be reminded of our lives as a chance to re-humanise ot...

The Beatitudes from Sermon on the Mount contain both blessings and promises as Jesus establishes what the kingdom of God looks like and who is at its heart. Jachin explores and encourages our understanding with these three key questions: What does blessed mean? Who are the blessed? Why are these blessed? Gospel reading and key text: Mat 4:23-5:16

In the first week of Advent Tim takes us on the journey of Gus' (Saint Augustine) conversion and how intellectual understanding gave way to humility before Christ. Instead of rapture timelines and attempts to control the future, we are reminded that Advent's invitation is to a season of humility, as we orient our lives towards Christ's return with hope, active faith and a longing praye...

On Christ the King Sunday, Jonathan leads us through a thoughtful reflection on the meaning and relevance of the kingdom of God in today’s world. Radically distinct from worldly power and political structures - we looked at what Jesus said about the kingdom, and its implications for politics and the signs of the times in Aotearoa in 2025. References: Dr Lamma Mansour's interview with Archbisho...

In the last sermon of this three part series looking at what's involved in apprenticing to Jesus - Tim notes that in order to do as Jesus did, we need to ask, 'What is God up to in the world today?' and 'what role does the church play in what God is up to today?' The work of reconciliation Jesus began continues in a beautiful fractal-like pattern through his followers as we mak...

Identifying as a Christian is not a guarantee that you are becoming like Jesus. In this sermon, Tim looks at what Jesus was like, what it means to be a servant and the impact of unconscious formation. Note: We take a brief pause at 3min40sec to watch a Diocesan safety video, but it was not recorded here. Book mentions : ⁠Practising the way⁠ by John Mark Comer Gospel reading: Mark 10:35-45 Key text...

In this sermon, Tim encourages us to explore what it means to truly follow Jesus. Exploring the questions, 'Where is Jesus?' and 'How can we be with Jesus?' we are invited to seek ways to foster intentional, daily closeness with Him as the foundation for spiritual growth and Christian living. Book mentions : Practising the way by John Mark Comer Gospel reading: Mark 3:13-19 Key tex...

Using the lens of St. Francis' life, Steve invites us to reexamine our relationship to power, money and sex, to hold them loosely, rather than central to our identity. As we reflect on the call to obedience and the example of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (from the Matthew reading), we're prompted to trust that letting go of power and controls leads to spiritual armour and divine...

We welcomed Mo Morgan from the Christian environmental organisation A Rocha , who in this sermon, connects caring for the environment to faith in action. Sharing local stories of hope and transformation, Mo reminds us that each faithful, persistent step, no matter how small, is significant. Gospel reading and key text: Luke 18:1-8

In this message Tim recounts St Francis’ a.k.a Frank’s conversion from wealthy youth to a life of simplicity, service, and devotion to Christ, highlighting that his call to ‘rebuild the church’ meant renewing people’s faith through action and love. We are encouraged as listeners—married or single—to let our whole lives serve God’s kingdom. True freedom comes not from wealth or self‑gratification,...

We welcomed Reverend Keri-Ann Hokianga, a Māori evangelist within NZCMS. In this sermon Keri-Ann touches on the history of the gospel's arrival in Aotearoa and the ongoing journey of Māori Christian community and identity. Gospel reading and key text: Luke 2:8-14, 17:5-10

A week out from St Michael's Day and contemplating the example of our patron saint, Tim encourages us towards deeper engagement with both material and spiritual realities. Gospel reading: Matthew 12:43-45 Key text: Daniel 10:4-6, 10-15

September has been declared St Michael's month! As Kate reminds us in this sermon, remaining faithful often means resisting cultural norms and enduring challenges. Drawing on inspiring examples both biblical (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) and local (Kate Sheppard and Michael Jones), we are assured that discernment in community and trust in God's presence is the equipping we need. Gospel...

Part eight and our final sermon in the series on the book of Philippians. Rosie Fyfe of NZCMS shares a refreshing understanding of 'koinonia' or partnership as it appears in Paul's letter. This message invites us to reflect on the value of global partnerships, building grace-filled communities that support and uplift one another through all circumstances. Gospel reading: John 1:45-51 K...

Part seven of our sermon series on Philippians. With a little inspiration from Wendell Berry but mostly drawing on Paul's letter to the Philippians, Anya shares three keys for living out joy as Christians: prayer, thought and embodiment. Gospel reading: John 16:16-24 Key text: Philippians 4:1-9

Rev. Dr Sam Wells visiting us from St Martins-in-the-Fields, London, explores six moments of inspiration and what they tell us about the theology of the Holy Spirit.

Part six of our sermon series on Philippians. On a rainy day in Wellington, Tim challenged us to live as citizens of heaven right where we are, in work, at home and in community. Book mentions : Practising the way by John Mark Comer The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks Gospel reading: Luke 12:32-40 Key text: Philippians 3:12-21

Tragically, part 4 of this series failed to record, sorry people. However, here in Part V, Sam Jackson compares the life of Paul with the life of King Saul. Paul, we learn, is compelled to give up his status as one of the religious elite, to serve a crucified master. Readings: 1 Samuel 9.1-2 Philippians 3.1-11 Matthew 11.25-30

Philippians 2.1-11 are among the most discussed verses in the New Testament. They include the stunning poem in verses 6-11, which celebrate Jesus' journey from glory to a cradle in the dirt, and then a cross beside criminals. In this sermon, Chris Marshall walks us through the beauty of this poem, and its extraordinary portrait not just of Jesus, but therefore of God.

In Part 2* of our series on Philippians, Kate Sampson explores Chapter 1, verses 12 to 30. Given that suffering seems to be an inevitable part of the Christian life, how are we to face it? Paul's example can give us hope and confidence to undergo the suffering that is an inevitable part of following in Christ's steps. * Part 1, on verses 1 to 11, was lost to the mists of time.