Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

Passage: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Date: 15 December 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Peter’s closing thoughts in his letter remind us of the importance of humility and submission, especially during difficult times. He encourages us to accept our circumstances, resist the devil, and trust God to restore us. In a world where we often feel like exiles, these principles not only help us navigat...

Passage: Romans 5:6-8 Date: 15 December 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Romans 5:6-8, we see a profound truth: God’s love is not reserved for the righteous but is freely given to all, even while we were still sinners. This message reminds us that we do not have to hide our shortcomings from God; instead, we can embrace His extraordinary love. This Christmas, whether you’re fami...

Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-14 Date: 8 December 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In this sermon, we explore Peter’s call for godly leadership within the church, emphasising the importance of shepherd-like service over authority or personal gain. Just as Jesus exemplified humility and sacrifice, true leaders are those who serve with willingness and integrity. By fostering a spirit of mutu...

Passage: Exodus 17:8-16 Date: 8 December 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: Conflict is an unavoidable part of the Christian journey, as illustrated in Exodus when the Amalekites attacked the Israelites. Just as Moses raised his staff for victory, we too must expect spiritual battles and look to Christ as our ultimate mediator, who never tires in His intercession for us. In the struggles we face...

Passage: – Date: 1 December 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: As we reflect on the nativity story, the question arises: is there room for Christ in our lives? Just as the inn had no space for Jesus, many aspects of our society often overlook Him. This sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts—are we welcoming Him in, or have we pushed Him aside? This Advent, let’s consci...

Passage: Exodus 15:22-16:18 Date: 1 December 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In this sermon, we explore the journey of the Israelites from a high of celebration to the depths of grumbling just days after their salvation. Though they experienced miraculous deliverance, trusting God in everyday struggles proved far more challenging. This passage invites us to reflect on our own responses...

Passage: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Date: 24 November 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Peter reminds us that suffering is a normal part of the Christian journey, often reflecting the struggles Jesus faced. However, he encourages us to rejoice during these trials, as they affirm our identity in Christ and connect us to His glory. This week, we explore how our commitment to follow Jesus through suff...

Passage: Exodus 15:1-21 Date: 24 November 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In Exodus 15, we witness the joy of God’s people as they celebrate their deliverance from Egypt. Their vibrant song reflects a deep experience of salvation, reminding us that singing praises arises from knowing God’s saving work in our lives. As we navigate our own challenges, we can trust that the Go...

Passage: 1 Peter 4:1-11 Date: 17 November 2024 Speaker: Noble McNeely Summary: Peter’s letter offers a powerful reminder to Christians navigating a challenging culture. He encourages us to embrace Christ’s victory over sin and to adopt a countercultural lifestyle, even as we face opposition. As we anticipate Christ’s return, we are called to live with integrity, love deeply, and...

Passage: Exodus 13:17-14:31 Date: 17 November 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In Exodus 14, we see God’s people shift from fear to trust as they face the seemingly insurmountable Egyptian army. God leads them on a detour to prepare them for future battles, revealing that His guidance often shapes our character for our ultimate good. Just as He fought for Israel, we are reminded that we...

Passage: 1 Peter 3:8-22 Date: 10 November 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In this sermon, we explore how the Apostle Peter reassures early Christians of their identity as God’s chosen people and encourages them to live out their faith authentically in a challenging culture. By embracing their role as a royal priesthood, they are called not only to endure hardship but to respond t...

Passage: Exodus 12:31-42 Date: 10 November 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: In the story of the Exodus, we see how God liberated the Israelites from slavery, transforming them from a people of oppression to a blessed community. This isn’t just a historical event; it speaks to us today about the richness of life with God and how faith connects us, regardless of our backgrounds. Eve...

Passage: 1 Peter 3:1-7 Date: 3 November 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In this sermon from 1 Peter, we explore how the gospel can transform our relationships, particularly marriage. Peter encourages wives to embrace the concept of submission, not as a loss of influence, but as a way to reflect Christ’s love. Husbands are called to lead with consideration and respect, fostering a partnership...

Passage: Exodus 12:1-51 Date: 3 November 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Exodus 12, we encounter the pivotal moment of the Passover, where God’s instructions for a sacrificial meal reveal profound truths about judgment, grace, and our identity as His people. The blood of the lamb, marking the Israelites’ doorposts, symbolises their protection and consecration, pointing us to Jes...

Passage: 1 Peter 2:11-25 Date: 27 October 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In tonight’s sermon, we explore how our identity as God’s beloved shapes our lives as we navigate the world around us. Peter encourages us to live as pilgrims, recognising our true home is with God, and to respond to authority with respect, not rebellion. As we serve with a focus on God’s glory, we find...

Passage: Exodus 10:21-11:10 Date: 24 October 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: The story of Exodus reveals how Pharaoh’s hardened heart and Egypt’s false gods faced God’s undeniable power. As we explore the final plague, it becomes clear that this narrative isn’t just ancient history; it speaks to us today about the consequences of ignoring God’s call. We are urge...

Passage: – Date: 20 October 2024 Speaker: Neil & Jenny Stewart Summary: Neil and Jenny discuss their upcoming assignment in Bilbao and reflect on the pressing need for church planting in the Basque region of Spain, where only a fraction of the population identifies as evangelical Christian. As Neil and Jenny prepare for this significant transition, they remind us that our call to share...

Passage: – Date: 20 October 2024 Speaker: Sasha and Keti Trajowski Summary: Sasha and Keri shared their inspiring journey from a life without faith to passionately spreading the gospel in Bosnia. Their small church may only have 13 members, but they are making a significant impact through evangelism and writing essential Christian literature. This conversation reminds us that even the smalle...

Passage: Philippians 1:3-5 Date: 20 October 2024 Speaker: Tomislav Dobutovic Summary: In today’s message, we explore the concept of partnership in ministry, drawing from Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church. The essence of this partnership is mutual support in faith, reflecting how we can work together to spread the gospel. Just as Paul relied on the Philippians, we too need each o...

Passage: 1 Peter 2:3-10 Date: 13 October 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In our exploration of 1 Peter 2, we uncover the profound truth of our identity as children of God. Contrary to the world’s emphasis on worth based on achievement, we are valued simply because of Christ’s love for us. Embracing this identity transforms how we relate to one another, reminding us that we are not isolated ind...

Passage: Exodus 7:1-10:29 Date: 13 October 2024 Speaker: Neil Stewart Summary: In Exodus chapters 7 to 10, we witness a powerful narrative revealing who God is through the signs sent to Egypt. As the mighty Nile turns to blood and plagues sweep the land, the story challenges us to recognise God’s sovereignty in our lives. It invites us to reflect on our own responses—will we, like Pharaoh, h...

Passage: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 Date: 6 October 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Planning a journey requires careful attention, much like the spiritual journey Peter outlines for early Christians. He encourages believers to remember their identity as God’s chosen family and to live in a way that reflects that, pursuing holiness and deep love for one another. By focusing on their past re...

Passage: Matthew 7:24-29 Date: 6 October 2024 Speaker: Stuart Balmer Summary: In a world full of uncertainty, who do you trust? This sermon reflects on Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasising the importance of a solid foundation in life. Just as the lighthouse keeper remained calm during a storm, trusting in Jesus as your foundation can provide hope, peace, and confidenc...

Passage: 1 Peter 1:1-12 Date: 29 September 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: The letter of 1 Peter offers profound encouragement for those feeling marginalised in today’s world. As Peter reminds early Christians of their identity as God’s chosen people, he highlights their dual reality: they belong to God and are also exiles in a culture that can feel hostile. In the face of trials...

Passage: Exodus 5:1-6:30 Date: 29 September 2024 Speaker: Christoph Ebbinghaus Summary: Feeling overwhelmed or ready to give up is something we can all relate to, just like Moses did when faced with daunting challenges. As we explore Exodus 5 and 6, we’ll see how God reassures Moses by reminding him of His past faithfulness, His present attentiveness, and His future promises. In our own stru...