Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

Passage: Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Acts 4:1-32 Date: 3 March 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Experiencing something extraordinary naturally compels us to share it, and this week we explore how knowing the one true God changes us and drives us to share that knowledge. Drawing from Acts and Deuteronomy, we reflect on the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives and the import...

Passage: – Date: 3 March 2024 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: In reflecting on Jesus’ death, we confront a profound truth: it was our sin that held Him on the cross. This solemn reality invites us to consider why such a sacrifice was necessary—not merely as an act of love, but as a vital part of God’s rescue plan for humanity. As we partake in communion, we acknowledge Christ’s immense...

Passage: – Date: 25 February 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As Bangor becomes increasingly secular, it’s essential to reflect on how deeply rooted Christian values, like compassion, shape our culture. This sermon examines compassion as a core value born from the Jesus Revolution, urging us to reconsider its significance in our lives today. Whether you identify as a ‘...

Passage: Matthew 13:24-50 Date: 25 February 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Jesus uses the parables of the weeds and the net to teach us about the kingdom of God, highlighting the presence of both good and bad within it. While we may feel tempted to judge others, Jesus reminds us that it’s not our role; God will discern who belongs to Him at the end of time. Instead of focusing o...

Passage: Isaiah 60:1-7 Date: 18 February 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In today’s sermon, we explore the church’s purpose in attracting others to God. Using passages from Deuteronomy to Matthew, we learn that our lives should reflect the beauty of God, drawing people in rather than pushing them away. When we genuinely showcase our faith, we not only honour God but also in...

Passage: Matthew 13:1-23 Date: 18 February 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In this sermon, we explore the profound impact of Jesus’ words in establishing His kingdom. Despite the world’s distractions, it’s through these words that transformation occurs in our lives and communities. As we reflect on the parable of the sower, we’re reminded that even the hardest hearts c...

Passage: Exodus 19:1-6, 1 Date: 11 February 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: Exploring the theme of being a “kingdom of priests,” this sermon invites us to reflect on our unique relationship with God and our role in the world. Just as the Israelites were set apart, we are called to embody holiness and minister to one another, drawing others closer to God through our lives. Our worsh...

Passage: Matthew 12:38-50 Date: 11 February 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Exploring the relationship between God and Jesus reveals profound truths about our identity. Jesus invites us to see Him not just as a figure of authority, but as our big brother, urging us to relate to Him as family. This understanding reshapes how we view ourselves and our connection with God, reminding us th...

Passage: Exodus 5:22-6:8, Luke 9:28-31 Date: 4 February 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Are you truly aware of what it means to be redeemed? In this sermon, we explore the biblical concept of redemption, rooted in the Exodus story, and how it connects to our lives today. As redeemed people, we are called not only to celebrate our salvation but also to reflect God’s redemptive nat...

Passage: Matthew 12:22-37 Date: 4 February 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In this message, we explore the clash of kingdoms as Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ disbelief and calls for repentance. The passage challenges us to recognise our own responses to the kingdom and the importance of accepting Christ as King. Understanding our freedom from sin through Jesus not only transforms our li...

Passage: – Date: 28 January 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we embark on our series exploring secularity, we’ll delve into how our culture is increasingly moving away from Christian values, even as they shape our everyday lives. By examining the foundations of concepts like equality and compassion, we aim to understand our times better and engage meaningfully with those around...

Passage: Matthew 11:25-12:21 Date: 28 January 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: How well do we truly know God? This week’s exploration of Matthew reveals that understanding Jesus is key to grasping God’s nature. As Jesus challenges rigid interpretations of the Sabbath, He invites us to embrace a relationship rooted in love rather than rules. Discover how knowing Christ transforms o...

Passage: Genesis 12:1-4 Date: 21 January 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: This sermon explores God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him, highlighting that the ultimate blessing is a relationship with God through faith in Christ. As we reflect on how to be a blessing in our communities, we’re reminded that our primary mission is to share the gospel, introducing othe...

Passage: Matthew 11:16-24 Date: 21 January 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: Communication can often feel one-sided, especially when sharing our faith. In today’s message, we see that even Jesus faced rejection, reminding us that it’s His actions that validate His identity, not our acceptance. As we reflect on our own responses to Him, let’s consider how we engage with the truths of Chris...

Passage: Genesis 1:24-31, Romans 8:19-23 Date: 14 January 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: Exploring Genesis 1, this sermon reflects on our role in caring for creation as image-bearers of God. We are called to rule over the earth, not exploit it, recognising our responsibility to reflect God’s character in our interactions with the world. As we navigate everyday choices, we’re reminded that tr...

Passage: Matthew 11:1-15 Date: 14 January 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Matthew’s Gospel, the responses to Jesus’ ministry reveal our own struggles with expectation and faith. As John the Baptist questions whether Jesus is truly the Messiah, we see how our assumptions about God can cloud our understanding. Jesus redirects John’s focus to the signs of healing and grace, reminding us...

Passage: Ephesians 1:1-10 Date: 7 January 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Exploring the question of identity, we face a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. Many struggle to answer, “Who are we?” as traditional markers of identity shift, leaving us feeling lost. This sermon invites us to rediscover our God-given identity as part of a larger story—one that reveals o...

Passage: – Date: 7 January 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Reflecting on the profound peace Jesus brings, we explore how His death on the cross reconciles us to God, even while we were still enemies. This gift of grace invites us to shift from indifference to faith, recognising that true reconciliation starts with God’s initiative towards us. As we embrace this truth, we find hop...

Passage: – Date: 31 December 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In exploring the journey through Psalm 77, we discover a powerful pattern of lamenting, reflecting, and rejoicing that speaks to our everyday struggles. The psalmist moves from deep distress to a place of hope by remembering God’s past faithfulness, reminding us that even in difficult times, our joy can come from our rela...

Passage: – Date: 17 December 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: The passage from Jeremiah reveals God’s character as a fierce protector of His people, promising peace amidst the chaos of life. This Christmas, as we reflect on the manger, we’re invited to see Jesus not just as a baby, but as the one who enters the fight against sin and brings lasting peace. In a world filled with distr...

Passage: – Date: 10 December 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we conclude our journey through 1 Timothy, we’re reminded that the church’s purpose is to reflect Christ’s character. Paul encourages us to pursue a life of righteousness, love, and generosity, especially for those with wealth, reminding us that true security comes from God, not money. Our lives should em...

Passage: – Date: 10 December 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we conclude our exploration of Abram’s life, we see a man transformed by faith and grace. His journey teaches us that life’s real tests shape our character and deepen our relationship with God. In moments of struggle, are we willing to trust Him? Like Abram, we are invited to consider where we’re going an...

Passage: – Date: 3 December 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: The Christmas story offers a rich reminder of God’s promise of peace, a theme highlighted in Luke 2 when the angels declare, “Peace on earth.” As we reflect on the world’s conflicts and our personal struggles, we can find hope in knowing that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to restore our well-be...

Passage: – Date: 3 December 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In this profound exploration of Abram’s faith journey, we confront the challenging moment when God asks him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This story invites us to reflect on our own trials and the depth of our trust in God, reminding us that true faith often emerges through the hardest tests. Ultimately, it highligh...

Passage: – Date: 26 November 2023 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: In this sermon, we explore how false teachings can lead to unnecessary controversy within the church, as seen in Paul’s letters to Timothy. Drawing parallels to today, we look at how the desire for wealth can distort our faith, reminding us that true contentment comes not from material gain but from a relationship with Christ....