Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

Passage: Matthew 9:35-38 Date: 16 March 2025 Speaker: Rev. David Moore Summary: In Matthew 9, we see Jesus move through towns, filled with compassion for those in need. He calls us to recognize the same urgency in our communities, encouraging us to pray for workers in the harvest. As we engage with those around us, we’re reminded that our prayers can lead to real change and that we might be called...

Passage: Judges 13:1-25 Date: 9 March 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we dive into the story of Samson, we uncover deeper truths beyond the familiar tales. This passage from Judges reveals not only the flaws of ancient Israel but also mirrors our own struggles today. While Samson’s life hints at a greater savior to come, we’re reminded that true guidance comes from knowing God...

Passage: Matthew 17:1-13 Date: 9 March 2025 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: Mount Hermon, often seen as a cursed place, becomes the backdrop for a transformative moment in Matthew 17 as Jesus reveals His divine glory to His disciples. This passage invites us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the glorious Son of God whose majesty is intertwined with His suffering. Understanding th...

Passage: Judges 10:6-12:15 Date: 2 March 2025 Speaker: David Montgomery Summary: Jephthah’s story reminds us of the tragic consequences of misplaced priorities and rash decisions. While striving for success, he made a vow that ultimately cost him dearly, revealing how easily ambition can overshadow our values and relationships. His journey serves as a poignant reminder to balance our desires...

Passage: Matthew 10:32-39, 16:24-28 Date: 2 March 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Matthew 10 and 16, we revisit pivotal questions about Jesus’ identity and purpose, revealing that He came to die, inviting us to respond by taking up our own crosses. This call to self-denial isn’t just about sacrifice; it leads to a fuller life in Christ. Embracing a cross-shaped existence...

Passage: Judges 8:1-10:5 Date: 23 February 2025 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: Gideon’s story is a powerful reminder of how starting well doesn’t guarantee a good finish. While he initially leads Israel with faith, he ultimately leaves behind a toxic legacy marked by self-interest and violence. As we reflect on these chapters, we’re called to recognize our need for God’s rule in our lives and to...

Passage: Matthew 16:13-28 Date: 23 February 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Peter’s encounter with Jesus in Caesarea Philippi reveals a pivotal moment of understanding about Jesus’ true identity. As he proclaims Jesus as the Messiah, we are challenged to consider our own answer to the question, “Who do you say I am?” This exploration of Jesus’ identity and...

Passage: Juges 7:1-25 Date: 16 February 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In the story of Gideon, we see a powerful reminder that true strength often comes from recognizing our weaknesses. As God whittles down Gideon’s army, He teaches His people that their reliance on Him, rather than their own abilities, is what leads to victory. This lesson is crucial for us today; in our moment...

Passage: Matthew 16:1-12 Date: 16 February 2025 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Matthew 16, Jesus invites us to examine where we place our trust. He contrasts reliance on our own achievements with the call to look to Him as our source of strength and satisfaction. As we navigate daily pressures and temptations, it’s vital to remember that true meaning and joy come from resting in His grace...

Passage: John 1:43-51 Date: 9 February 2025 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: The story of Nathanael reminds us that our perceptions can often limit our understanding of who Jesus is. Just as Nathanael initially dismissed the idea of a king coming from an unimpressive place, we may let pride or prejudice close our hearts to Jesus. This passage highlights that it is Jesus who opens our hearts and con...

Passage: Matthew 15:21-39 Date: 9 February 2025 Speaker: David Montgomery Summary: Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 challenges our understanding of inclusion and compassion. Despite cultural barriers, her boldness leads to healing and a profound lesson: God’s grace is for everyone, regardless of background. Through this story, we learn that even the smallest reques...

Passage: Judges 6:1-40 Date: 2 February 2025 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In this sermon, we explore the story of Gideon, a hesitant warrior who illustrates how our focus shapes our spiritual journey. Just as the Israelites turned to idols in their suffering, we often look around or down at our circumstances instead of up to God. By reflecting on God’s faithfulness and grace, we are reminded tha...

Passage: Matthew 15:1-20 Date: 2 February 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Jesus faced criticism from religious leaders over his disciples’ failure to follow traditions, revealing a deeper issue of hypocrisy rooted in outward appearances. In Matthew 15, he emphasizes that true defilement comes from the heart, not from rituals or laws. This passage challenges us to reflect on what...

Passage: Judges 4:1-5:31 Date: 26 January 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Judges 4, we encounter the cycle of sin and oppression faced by Israel as they cry out to God for help. This week, we reflect on a unique trio: Deborah, a wise leader; Barak, a faithful rescuer; and Jael, a surprising victor. Their story illustrates that while human heroes play a role, the true hero is God, wh...

Passage: Matthew 14:22-33 Date: 26 January 2025 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Matthew’s account, the disciples grapple with their expectations of who Jesus should be, caught between fear and faith. As they navigate their doubts amid a storm, they learn that true trust in Jesus means recognizing him as God, who reaches out to save in times of distress. This week, consider how we often shape Jes...

Passage: Judges 3:7-31 Date: 19 January 2025 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In today’s message, we explore the book of Judges, where the cycle of Israel’s disobedience and God’s mercy unfolds through the stories of three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Each case reveals humanity’s struggle with sin and the power of idols, while also highlighting God’s relentless h...

Passage: Matthew 14:13-21 Date: 19 January 2025 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Matthew 14, we see a striking contrast between King Jesus and earthly rulers like Herod. While Herod indulges in self-serving excess, Jesus demonstrates compassion by healing the needy and miraculously feeding the 5,000. This story reminds us that Jesus is not a tyrant but a powerful King who provides abundantly for...

Passage: Judges 2:6-3:6 Date: 12 January 2025 Speaker: David Montgomery Summary: In this sermon, we explore the spiritual decline illustrated in Judges, where disobedience leads to distance from God and His eventual anger. The cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance reminds us that even small deviations from faith can snowball into greater struggles. Through the lives of lesser-known judges, we...

Passage: Matthew 13:53-14:12 Date: 12 January 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we dive into this new season of Matthew’s Gospel, we’re reminded that familiarity with Jesus can lead to contempt, just like in His hometown of Nazareth. The people there missed the extraordinary because they thought they already knew Him. Today, whether you’ve grown up in a “Jesus...

Passage: Judges 1:1-2:5 Date: 5 January 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Exploring the book of Judges reveals a timeless struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of doing what’s convenient. The Israelites faced the challenge of living among those who worshipped other gods, leading to a pattern of half-hearted obedience that resonates with our own lives today. As we refl...

Passage: 1 Peter 3:8-22 Date: 5 January 2025 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: At the heart of the gospel lies a profound truth: the good news is ultimately about knowing and enjoying God. This week, we explore how concepts like salvation, forgiveness, and redemption are meaningful only when they lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we start 2025, let’s commit to prioritizing our c...

Passage: Isaiah 42:1-9 Date: 29 December 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Isaiah, we are reminded to look to Christ, who embodies the character of a gentle and compassionate servant. He doesn’t cast aside the bruised or extinguish the flickering flames of our faith; instead, He restores and brings justice, offering us a relationship with God that heals our brokenness. This passage invi...

Passage: Luke 2:1-20 Date: 25 December 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: Pondering the profound amidst the chaos can be a challenge, especially during the hectic Christmas season. While the world buzzes around us, Mary’s quiet reflection on the birth of Jesus invites us to pause and consider the significance of this moment. By treasuring who Jesus is and why He came, we find hope and meaning th...

Passage: – Date: 22 December 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In a world filled with darkness, from economic struggles to personal despair, the promise of light shines through. As Isaiah foretold, Jesus Christ came to break into our darkness, offering hope and transformation. This Christmas, consider how His light can illuminate your life, bringing healing and joy that overcomes e...

Passage: Exodus 18:1-27 Date: 22 December 2024 Speaker: Newil Stewart Summary: In Exodus 18, we see a pivotal moment illustrating two contrasting responses to God. Jethro, a priest of Midian, embodies peace and blessing by recognising the Lord’s greatness and honouring Him, while Amalek represents rebellion and exploitation. This passage challenges us to consider how we relate to God: are we...