Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

Passage: – Date: 9 April 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: Mark’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion reveals contrasting reactions that teach us about fear and courage. While the women at the cross initially observe from a distance, Joseph of Arimathea boldly claims Jesus’s body, showing that true discipleship involves action despite fear. As we reflect on the resurrection, we’re encouraged to...

Passage: – Date: 2 April 2023 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Romans 11, Paul urges the Gentile believers in Rome to embrace humility by recognising their roots and the mercy that brought them into God’s family. He warns against pride, reminding us that faith, not merit, connects us to God’s people. This message calls us to never give up on those who seem hardened to the gospe...

Passage: – Date: 26 March 2023 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: In Romans chapter 11, Paul addresses the complex relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel. Despite their widespread rejection of the gospel, he reassures us that God has not abandoned them; there’s still a faithful remnant. This passage invites us to reflect on our own faith and the importance of sharing the m...

Passage: Matthew 10:16-42 Date: 26 March 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In our journey of faith, we often seek life in the wrong places, mistaking wealth or status for true fulfilment. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10 that following Him may invite opposition, even from those closest to us. Yet, He encourages us to embrace this challenge with courage and wisdom, assuring us that true lif...

Passage: – Date: 12 March 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: Exploring Romans 9 to 10, we reflect on how God’s promises remain steadfast despite our human failures. Paul challenges us to consider where we seek righteousness—through our efforts or by humbly accepting Christ. As we navigate a world of division and self-righteousness, it’s vital to engage with Scripture, embrace hu...

Passage: Matthew 9:35-10:15 Date: 12 March 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Discipleship goes beyond personal faith; it’s about sharing that faith with others. In Matthew 9, Jesus shows us the importance of compassion for those lost without guidance. He reminds us that every follower is called to be a discipler, inviting others into the kingdom. As we reflect on our own communitie...

Passage: – Date: 5 March 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Romans 9, Paul expresses deep concern for his fellow Jews, addressing their faith and God’s enduring promises. He highlights that being part of God’s family isn’t about heritage but faith, challenging us to reflect on our own beliefs and how we view others. This message reminds us that true belonging in...

Passage: Matthew 8:18-34 Date: 5 March 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: Exploring the miracles in Matthew reveals a profound truth about Jesus’ authority and the arrival of God’s kingdom. Each healing illustrates not just His power over sickness and death but also invites us to consider our own responses to Him. Are we like the blind men, pleading for mercy and recognising Him as th...

Passage: – Date: 26 February 2023 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: In Romans chapter 8, we find a profound assurance that, despite our present struggles, nothing can separate us from God’s love. This passage reminds us that while life may bring challenges and frustrations, we are called into a loving relationship with God, who is working all things for our good. Embracing this truth can...

Passage: Matthew 9:14-17 Date: 26 February 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Jesus often unsettled those around Him, challenging their understanding of faith and religion. In this passage, He addresses the question of fasting, using the imagery of a wedding feast to illustrate the joy of the kingdom He brings. As we reflect on the new life He offers, we’re reminded that our faith should...

Passage: – Date: 19 February 2023 Speaker: Terry Laverty Summary: In this sermon, we explore the heavy reality of our struggle against sin, as Paul describes in Romans. Yet, amidst our wretchedness, there’s incredible hope: through Christ, we can be free from condemnation and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformative truth invites us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God...

Passage: Matthew 9:9-13 Date: 19 February 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Matthew 9, we see Jesus inviting an unlikely follower, a tax collector named Matthew, to join him, highlighting a profound truth about God’s heart for sinners. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those whose lives differ from ours. Instead of judgement, we’re called to exte...

Passage: – Date: 12 February 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Romans 7, Paul explores the struggle between our desire to do good and the pull of sin, highlighting the internal conflict many of us experience. This passage reminds us that while our bodies can lead us astray, it’s through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can find true freedom and transformation in Christ...

Passage: Matthew 9:1-8 Date: 12 February 2023 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: In Matthew 9, we encounter a remarkable story of a paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his friends. Their faith not only highlights the importance of interceding for others but also reminds us that true healing often begins with forgiveness. Jesus prioritises our relationship with God, showing that our greatest need is for...

Passage: – Date: 5 February 2023 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: Paul’s letter to the Romans offers a profound insight into the gospel, particularly in understanding our relationship to sin and the law. While we’ve been freed from sin’s mastery, we also learn that our struggle with the law continues as we navigate life as believers. This week, we explore how the law reveals...

Passage: Matthew 8:18-34 Date: 5 February 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Jesus invites us to trust Him through life’s storms, reminding us that even the fiercest challenges can’t overshadow His power. The disciples, despite witnessing His miracles, falter in fear during a tempest. This passage encourages us to recognise that true faith isn’t about the absence of fear...

Passage: – Date: 29 January 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Romans 6, Paul challenges us to reflect on who truly governs our lives. Are we serving sin, which leads to death, or are we embracing the new life in Christ, marked by righteousness and freedom? This passage invites us to recognise that while we are set free from sin, we are called to serve a new master—God—who offers...

Passage: Matthew 8:1-17 Date: 29 January 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Matthew 8, we encounter a powerful depiction of Jesus as a King who holds authority over sickness and barriers that separate us from God. Through the healing of a leper and a centurion’s servant, we see that no one is beyond His reach, inviting us to consider our own response to this King. As we reflect on His wi...

Passage: – Date: 22 January 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we conclude our mini-series on electing new elders, we reflect on the importance of choosing leaders who can help us grow more like Jesus. The process involves both the congregation and the Kirk Session working together, recognising that each of us plays a vital role in shaping our church family. Let’s approach...

Passage: – Date: 15 January 2023 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: Paul’s message to the Romans challenges us to consider what it truly means to be united with Christ. It’s not just about being saved or having our sins forgiven; it’s about a transformation that influences how we live today. Embracing our new identity in Christ empowers us to break free from old patterns and actively choos...

Passage: – Date: 15 January 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we reflect on the qualifications for church elders from Titus, we discover that character takes precedence over ability or charisma in leadership. Elders are called to be examples of integrity, faithfulness, and self-control, shaping the community with their lives. This message reminds us that true leadership stems fr...

Passage: – Date: 8 January 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In today’s message from Romans, Paul reminds us of the transformative power of Christ’s righteousness. While our sin may feel overwhelming, God’s grace is even greater, offering us both pardon and a new identity. This passage challenges us to recognise that through faith in Jesus, we are not just saved,...

Passage: – Date: 8 January 2023 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Reflecting on the past two years at Hamilton Road, the focus is on the vital role of elders in church leadership. Drawing from 1 Peter, we learn that true leadership is rooted in willing service, eager discipleship, and leading by example, not authority. As we prepare to elect new leaders, let’s seek those who genuinely f...

Passage: – Date: 1 January 2023 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: In Romans 5, Paul reveals the profound truth that we are justified by faith alone, not by our deeds. This assurance of being at peace with God changes everything; it means that our sins are forgiven and we are accepted as righteous in His sight. Whether you’re a believer or exploring faith, understanding this grace can tra...

Passage: – Date: 1 January 2023 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the Saviour came into a world filled with challenges and shortcomings, just like ours today. When we reflect on His humble beginnings, we see how He meets us in our struggles, offering hope and rescue. As we move into the new year, let’s carry this message with us, allowing H...