Avondale University Church Sermons

Pr Norman Hurlow explores one of Jesus’ most iconic parables—the prodigal son, in Luke 15:11–21. But what if the story isn’t really about the son at all? With fresh cultural insights and a moving personal story, this message reframes the parable as a radical picture of a Father who absorbs shame, breaks social norms, and runs to restore his child. God’s love isn’t transactional—it’s extravagant, h...

Pr Sean Berkeley explores the significance of living with a deep dependence on God and unwavering commitment to prayer. Looking at the story of the persistent friend in Luke 11, this episode challenges us to seek God's kingdom, trust in His provision, and practice forgiveness, all while persevering in prayer, knowing that God is faithful to answer. Tune in to hear how this transformative experienc...

In the final message of the "Counterculture" series, Pastor Aubree Harrington brings the journey through Luke 6 to a close with a timely challenge as Easter approaches. Drawing from the parable of the two builders, Aubree invites us to ask the uncomfortable question: what have we truly built our lives upon? With honesty and vulnerability, she explores the difference between the rock and the sand—r...

Continuing the "Counterculture" series, Pastor Norman Hurlow explores why Jesus calls his followers to live differently in the world. Drawing from Matthew 5 and John 17, Norman unpacks the rich metaphors of salt and light—revealing that God's people are called to enhance and preserve what is good, to create a thirst for Jesus, and to bring hope and colour into the lives of those around them. Norma...

Liv Morton explores what it truly means to bear good fruit as a follower of Jesus. Drawing from Luke 6:43–45 and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, she challenges the common assumption that good fruit means good works—and invites us instead to focus on the character God is growing within us. With warmth, humour, and a baking metaphor that brings it all to life, Liv reminds us that God is less...

In this special Festival of Faith Sabbath message, guest speaker Dejan Stojkovic invites listeners to take a reflective walk with Jesus and “define your relationship” with Him. Through humour, storytelling, and personal insight, he contrasts being a fan of Jesus with being a follower —calling us to move from part-time faith to full-time discipleship. Using vivid illustrations from campus life and...

In this message from the “Counter Culture” series, Sean Berkeley explores what it means to live with a spirit of generosity in a world that often prizes self-interest. Through stories of the Samaritan woman at the well and Mary Magdalene’s extravagant gift, he shows how Jesus meets broken people with grace rather than judgment—and how that same grace overflows into generous living. With warmth and...

How do you love someone who can’t stand you? In this message, Aubrey explores Jesus’ counter-cultural call to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who hurt us. Rather than settling for simply being a “good person,” we are invited to reflect the radical love of Christ — the love that pursued us even when we were God’s enemies. As we learn to love those who oppose us, we be...

In the first message of the “Counterculture” series, Pastor Norman Hurlow explores what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus in a world that values power, wealth, and success. Through Luke 6:20–26, he shows how Jesus turns these values upside down, calling His followers to a life marked by humility, dependence, and trust in God. Using the striking image of living with open hands, Norman challen...

In the fourth message of “The Way” series, Pastor Sean Berkeley explores what it means to live with a posture to go . Drawing from Luke 6 and the Great Commission, he reminds us that discipleship is more than belief—it’s movement, purpose, and calling. With warmth, humour, and practical reflection, Sean invites us to embrace our divine purpose, to wait for the Spirit’s commissioning, and then to g...

In the third message of “The Way” series, Esera Timu explores what it means to truly connect —with God, with one another, and with the world around us. Speaking from Luke 6:1–11, he challenges the legalism that had distorted the Sabbath and reminds us that God’s gift of rest was always meant for restoration and relationship. With warmth and conviction, Esera invites us to see the Sabbath not as a...

In the second message of “The Way” series, Pastor Morgan Vincent continues through Luke 5, exploring what it means to follow Jesus by serving others. Through the stories of the leprous man and the paralyzed man, he reveals how faith depends on God’s word and how true discipleship means doing whatever it takes to bring people to Jesus. With practical insight and heartfelt challenge, Morgan calls us...

In the first message of the "The Way" series, Pastor Norman Hurlow unpacks the beginning of the disciples' journey with Jesus through Luke 5. He explores the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him—through experience, obedience, and transformation. Drawing on personal insights, stained glass reflections, and a powerful call to humility and teachability, Norman invites listeners...

In this inspiring message, James Standish shares personal stories—from tragedy to triumph—that highlight our deep need for community, connection, and church. Reflecting on Jesus' consistent commitment to weekly worship, James explores how local church life shapes spiritual maturity, combats isolation, and empowers collective service. With warmth, humor, and clarity, he calls each listener—especial...

In the final message of our Assault on Identity series, Aubree Harrington explores the third temptation of Jesus — the call to test God. Why is Jesus tempted to jump from the temple? What does it mean to live by faith instead of sight ? And how often do we, like the enemy, say to God: “Prove yourself to me” ? This message is an invitation to trust God's character even when we don't understand His...

In this powerful message from Luke 4, Pr Norman Hurlow explores the second temptation of Jesus and the deeper truth behind it: every temptation is ultimately an assault on identity. He unpacks how Satan's offer of instant glory challenges not just Jesus’ mission—but His loyalty and trust in the Father. We live in a shortcut culture that promises quick rewards but demands our worship in return. Wha...

As 2025 kicks off, we’re bombarded with pressure to become a “new you.” But what if the real invitation is to remember who you already are in Christ? In this message from Luke 4, we explore Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and what it reveals about identity, struggle, and victory. We also reflect on Ephesians 1–3, where Paul lays out 21 truth-filled declarations of who we are in Christ. This me...