Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

Passage: Colossians 1:1-14 Date: 14 March 2021 Speaker: Mark Ellis Summary: Spring is a reminder that growth is natural, and the Apostle Paul encourages us to embrace this by deepening our relationship with God. He prays not just for knowledge, but for a transformative understanding that leads us to live in a way that pleases Him. As we navigate our daily lives, let’s cultivate a spirit of gratitu...

Passage: Matthew 4:1-11 Date: 14 March 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In this sermon, we explore the pivotal moment of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, paralleling His journey with Israel’s struggles. As Jesus faced the devil, He modelled unwavering obedience to God’s will, resisting the allure of comfort, spectacle, and power. This passage reminds us that true fulfi...

Passage: 1 Samuel 15 Date: 7 March 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In 1 Samuel, we witness the tragic decline of Saul, Israel’s first king, who starts with humility but ultimately fails in leadership. His journey reveals how easy it is to let power distort our priorities and lead us away from obedience to God. This message invites us to reflect on our own influence, reminding us...

Passage: Matthew 12:46-50 Date: 7 March 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we explore what it means to be the family of God, we reflect on how God sees us as His children. This week, we’ll delve into the biblical understanding of church as a family, emphasising the importance of valuing relationships over institutions, and ensuring that everyone feels included, regardless of their life...

Passage: 1 Samuel 12:12-25 1 Date: 28 February 2021 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: Celebration marked the start of Saul’s kingship, but as Samuel transitions from leader to mentor, he delivers a crucial message about integrity and God’s faithfulness. He warns Israel that true blessing comes from obeying God, not from seeking human leadership. The lesson for us today is clear: our choi...

Passage: Matthew 3:1-17 Date: 28 February 2021 Speaker: Ben Johnston Summary: Understanding the Trinity can be a challenge, but the baptism of Jesus offers us a glimpse into this profound mystery. In this moment, we see Jesus identifying with humanity, the Holy Spirit empowering Him, and the Father affirming Him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own relationship with God, reminding us tha...

Passage: 1 Samuel 10 – 11 Date: 21 February 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In 1 Samuel 10, we see the anointing of Saul as Israel’s first king, a moment filled with divine purpose and human emotion. Despite being initially hesitant, Saul’s character reveals obedience, humility, and a deep concern for his people. This story invites us to reflect on what kind of leader...

Passage: Matthew 3:1-10 Date: 21 February 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Change often feels impossible, but John the Baptist challenges that notion with a powerful call to repentance in Matthew 3. He invites us to rethink our lives and align them with God’s kingdom values, emphasizing that genuine change is not just about private morality but also about how we treat others. Embr...

Passage: 1 Samuel 9:1 – 10:1 Date: 14 February 2021 Speaker: Ben Johnston Summary: In 1 Samuel chapter 9, we witness Saul’s seemingly mundane search for lost donkeys leading to his anointing as Israel’s first king. This passage underscores how God orchestrates His purposes through the ordinary moments of our lives, even when we’re unaware. As we navigate our daily routines,...

Passage: Matthew 2:13-23 Date: 14 February 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In this sermon, we explore the profound message of Matthew chapter two, where we see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the embodiment of freedom. His journey reflects our own struggles—whether from oppressive traditions or the loneliness of modern life. Jesus invites us to respond to His call to freed...

Passage: 1 Samuel 8 Date: 7 February 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Reflecting on the desire for normalcy, this sermon from 1 Samuel 8 explores Israel’s request for a king and how it mirrors our own struggles to fit in. God’s response reveals that seeking to be like everyone else can lead us away from our unique identity as His people. Embracing our differences allows us to shin...

Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-10 Date: 7 February 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As a new minister, reflecting on the journey ahead for Hamilton Road feels both exciting and vital. This week, we explore what it means to be the people of God, emphasising that our shared identity shapes our priorities and actions. Together, we’ll focus on worship, listening to God, prayer, and finding joy in our...

Passage: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, 7 Date: 31 January 2021 Speaker: Frank McKeown Summary: The story in 1 Samuel chapters 4 to 7 reveals the consequences of ignoring God’s guidance and relying on rituals instead of genuine faith. Israel’s misguided trust in the Ark of the Covenant led to devastating defeats, reminding us that true faith cannot be manipulated like a tool. As we assess our own li...

Passage: Matthew 2:1-12 Date: 31 January 2021 Speaker: Ben Johnston Summary: In Matthew 2:1-12, we encounter the remarkable truth that Jesus, born in humble Bethlehem, is not just the King of the Jews but the King for all nations. The visit of the Magi reveals that Christ’s kingdom transcends boundaries, inviting everyone—regardless of background—to worship Him. In our own lives, understandi...

Passage: 1 Samuel 2:1-11, 3:1-21 Date: 24 January 2021 Speaker: Ben Johnston Summary: In the opening chapters of Samuel, we encounter Hannah, whose heartfelt song reveals deeper truths about God’s sovereignty amid Israel’s crisis. Her story mirrors our own struggles—reminding us that even in personal pain, God is at work in the broader narrative. As we reflect on her song, we’re urged to tru...

Passage: Matthew 1:18-25 Date: 24 January 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Matthew 1:18–25, we explore Joseph’s struggle as he grapples with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, reflecting the tension between humanity and divinity. The angel’s message reassures him that this child, named Jesus, will save his people from their sins. Ultimately, this passage reveals God’s des...

Passage: 1 Samuel 1-2:11 Date: 17 January 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we begin our series on 1 Samuel, we’re reminded of the chaos in Israel during this period, which mirrors our own tumultuous times. Hannah’s story of deep personal pain offers a powerful entry point for us to explore how prayer can emerge from our struggles. Her journey from desperation to joy teaches us...

Passage: Matthew 1:1-7, 15-17 Date: 17 January 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In today’s sermon, we explore how to truly recognise Jesus amidst the noise of life. Through the family tree in Matthew’s Gospel, we see Jesus’ humanity, identity, and mission, revealing that he came for broken people like us. Acknowledging our own shortcomings might just be the key to fully embr...

Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16 Date: 10 January 2021 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: A new chapter begins at Hamilton Road as we welcome a new minister eager to serve and equip the church family. Exploring Ephesians 4, we learn that ministry is about unity and growth in Christ, not just tasks. This sermon invites everyone to engage and grow together, becoming more like Jesus in our everyday live...

Passage: – Date: 15 March 2020 Speaker: Terry Laverty Summary: Exploring the theme of grace, this sermon invites us to reflect on how God’s strength shines through our struggles. Whether we face personal pain or societal challenges, we are reminded that grace is not just a concept but a transformative force. Embracing forgiveness and prayer can lead to healing, allowing us to live not...

Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:17-24 Date: 15 March 2020 Speaker: Roy Patton Summary: What defines a crucial moment in your life? For Paul, it was the message of the cross, a truth he passionately shared with the Corinthians. As we navigate challenges in our lives, we’re reminded that the cross holds transformative power, offering hope and salvation even when the world may see it as foolish. Embracing t...

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Date: 8 March 2020 Speaker: Roy Patton Summary: Unity within the church is essential, and Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that despite our differences, we are all part of one body. Each member has a unique role, and together we can make a significant impact in our communities. Embracing our diversity and working in harmony reflects the love of Christ t...

Passage: John 1:43-51 Date: 8 March 2020 Speaker: Ian McKee Summary: Scepticism can often cloud our view of possibilities, just as it did for Nathanael when he dismissed Jesus because of his humble origins. Yet, Philip’s simple invitation to “come and see” opens the door for discovery and understanding. In our own lives, embracing this invitation can lead to transformative encounters with Jesus, c...

Passage: – Date: 1 March 2020 Speaker: Brian & Jean Gibson Summary: Reflecting on pivotal moments in life, the speaker shares how personal encounters and unexpected choices shaped his journey of faith and mission. From his conversion sparked by a joyful witness to the challenges faced while serving as a missionary in Kenya, he reminds us that God’s calling can lead us in surprising...

Passage: Joshua 24:1-33 Date: 1 March 2020 Speaker: Ben Johnston Summary: In the heart of Joshua’s farewell address lies a powerful commitment: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” This call to serve is rooted in God’s unwavering faithfulness and deliverance throughout generations. As we reflect on our own lives, we are reminded that true service to God req...