Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

Passage: – Date: 13 August 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Luke 19, Jesus shares a parable that challenges us to reconsider how we live in anticipation of God’s kingdom. He urges us not to play it safe but to actively invest our gifts and resources for His glory. As we await His return, we are called to take risks and embrace opportunities, trusting that our efforts, how...

Passage: – Date: 6 August 2023 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: In Luke 18, Jesus tells a powerful parable contrasting a self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector. The Pharisee, confident in his own goodness, misses the mark, while the tax collector, recognising his sinfulness, pleads for mercy. This story challenges us to reflect on our own hearts: are we trusting in our efforts or...

Passage: – Date: 30 July 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In the book of Joel, we see a powerful shift from despair to joy, illustrating God’s unwavering compassion for His people. As we explore the themes of restoration and rejoicing, we are reminded that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, providing hope and healing. This message speaks to the heart of our everyday strugg...

Passage: – Date: 30 July 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Luke 16, Jesus contrasts the lives of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus, revealing a deeper truth about wealth and dependence on God. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts—true worship is not about our bank accounts, but where we place our trust. Are we seeking satisfaction in worldly riches, or in the everlasting...

Passage: – Date: 23 July 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Joel chapter 2, we encounter a powerful reminder of the urgency of repentance in the face of God’s impending judgment. As we reflect on this passage, we’re invited to recognise the seriousness of our sin and the deep compassion of God, who calls us to return to Him with genuine hearts. Embracing this call can lead to renew...

Passage: – Date: 23 July 2023 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Luke 15, Jesus shares a powerful parable about a father and his two sons, revealing the depth of God’s love for sinners. The younger son, seeking independence and pleasure, learns the hard way that chasing empty dreams leads to despair. Yet, when he returns home, he is met with unconditional love and acceptance. This stor...

Passage: – Date: 16 July 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Jesus challenges traditional notions of hospitality in Luke 14, revealing that true love knows no limits and is not bound by social expectations. He invites everyone, especially those often overlooked, to join Him at the table. This powerful message urges us to reflect on our own responses to God’s invitation and cons...

Passage: – Date: 9 July 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Romans 16, Paul highlights the importance of community and relationships within the church, reminding us that every individual matters to God. As he commends Phoebe and sends greetings to various members, we see a vibrant tapestry of unity amid diversity. This passage encourages us to honour one another and cultivate a ch...

Passage: – Date: 9 July 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Luke 10, Jesus challenges the idea of who qualifies as a neighbour through the parable of the Good Samaritan. The expert in the law seeks to justify himself, but Jesus flips the narrative, urging us to see that true righteousness comes not from our own efforts, but from allowing God’s grace to transform our hearts. This ser...

Passage: – Date: 2 July 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Romans 15, Paul encourages the church to remember and apply the grace of God in their lives, reminding them that true faith transforms every aspect of our actions. He highlights the importance of unity in the church, where different backgrounds come together to support one another, reflecting Christ’s welcome. This week, consider...

Passage: – Date: 2 July 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Luke chapter 8, Jesus uses parables to challenge our understanding of faith and receptiveness. He highlights that not everyone who hears the message truly listens, revealing the condition of their hearts. This week, we explore how distractions, superficiality, and hardness can hinder our spiritual growth, urging us to bec...

Passage: – Date: 4 June 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Ruth chapter 3, we see the unfolding of God’s plan through Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz—all ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to seek security, showing us that even in the darkest times, we can take steps towards hope. Boaz, a faithful man, responds with kindness, reminding us t...

Passage: – Date: 28 May 2023 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Romans 14, Paul reminds us that the church is not just an institution, but a family where both belonging and individuality can coexist. He urges us to embrace our differences, not by conforming like a herd, but by accepting one another in love. This week, discover how our acceptance reflects God’s mercy and how it shapes a commu...

Passage: – Date: 28 May 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Ruth chapter 2, we see how God works through the kindness of others, welcoming those who feel like outsiders. Ruth, a Moabite, finds unexpected grace and safety in Bethlehem, where Boaz embodies God’s love by treating her with dignity. This story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and we too...

Passage: – Date: 21 May 2023 Speaker: Terry Laverty Summary: The message tonight delves into the Apostles’ Creed, focusing on the crucifixion and burial of Jesus as pivotal moments in our faith. This historical reality, anchored by figures like Pontius Pilate, invites us to reflect on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the profound love behind it. Understanding these truths can...

Passage: – Date: 21 May 2023 Summary: Life can sometimes feel like a series of heartbreaks, as illustrated in the story of Naomi from the book of Ruth. Many of us struggle to see God at work in our lives, especially during tough times when we feel broken or ordinary. Yet, through Naomi’s journey, we learn that God’s kindness often shines through the people around us, reminding us...

Passage: – Date: 14 May 2023 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: Exploring the Apostles’ Creed reveals profound truths about Jesus Christ as the Saviour, the Son of God, and our Lord. This week’s sermon delves into Colossians 1, emphasising that Jesus embodies God’s image and authority, and that His divine nature is essential for our salvation. Understanding these truths not on...

Passage: – Date: 14 May 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Exploring the concept of home, this sermon challenges us to rethink our understanding of family and community. Instead of isolating ourselves within our private spaces, we are called to make our homes hubs of hospitality and mission. By opening our doors and sharing our lives, we not only honour God but also create a vibrant...

Passage: – Date: 7 May 2023 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: Navigating authority can be challenging, especially when it feels misaligned with our values. In Romans 13, Paul reminds us that all governing powers are ultimately established by God, calling us to honour and submit to them. This week, as we reflect on our own responses to authority, we’re encouraged to pray for leaders, engage in...

Passage: – Date: 7 May 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In exploring the significance of marriage within our church family, we reflect on the difference between covenant faithfulness and contractual relationships. As we navigate a culture that often prioritises convenience over commitment, we are invited to embrace a biblical understanding of marriage that mirrors God’s unwavering...

Passage: – Date: 30 April 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Romans 12, Paul guides us on how to respond to God’s grace by offering ourselves as living sacrifices. This means actively loving others—both in our church community and beyond—by being sincere, compassionate, and generous. As we reflect on God’s goodness, we’re encouraged to let that gratitude overflow into our lives, shaping...

Passage: – Date: 30 April 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Exploring the often-overlooked topic of singleness, this sermon challenges common assumptions and highlights its significance within the church family. By examining Jesus’ perspective, we see that single individuals hold equal value and purpose in God’s kingdom. Embracing this understanding can lead to deeper connections a...

Passage: – Date: 23 April 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Being a follower of Jesus means more than just belief; it’s about living life as He would. This week, we begin a four-part series on family, exploring how our understanding of family aligns with God’s purposes. We’ll delve into the idea that the church, as God’s family, holds a unique significance that so...

Passage: – Date: 16 April 2023 Speaker: Terry Laverty Summary: Have you ever felt that your life was meant for more than just getting by? This sermon explores the truth that God has a unique plan for each of us, urging us to embrace our significance as we worship Him. Drawing from Romans, we learn that through God’s mercy, we can find purpose and transform our lives to reflect His love...

Passage: – Date: 16 April 2023 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Luke 15, Jesus shares powerful parables about a shepherd searching for a lost sheep and a woman seeking a lost coin, illustrating God’s relentless pursuit of those who feel lost. These simple yet profound stories remind us that we don’t need to earn our way to God; instead, He actively seeks us out with joy, celebrating every...