When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he was full of praise for the way in which these people had received and welcomed the gospel. Their lives had been transformed from worshipping idols to turn and wait for Jesus to return from heaven. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, in describing […]

When Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses (points for discussion) on the noticeboard of the church in Wittenburg in 1517, he would have no way of knowing that his actions would change the world. So now, 504 years on, we are still remembering what he did, but more importantly, what he taught. One of the […]

The Scriptures tell us many things about the Apostle Paul – his conversion and calling, his missionary journeys, his leadership and also his letters to the churches of the first century. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, it becomes apparent that when Paul writes about his example among the believers at Thessalonica, and explains tsome details about […]

In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, we read the first chapter of the first letter of the Apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica. The church there began through the preaching of Paul, but according to Acts 17:1-9, the Apostle couldn’t stick around too long to make sure that all went well with the believers there. Perecution […]

In this final instalment on the life and ministry of the prophet Elisha from 2 Kings 13:11-21. we meet Elisha on his deathbed, but also in his grave. The images of Elisha weakened, dying and then dead are quite symbolic of the state of Israel’s spiritual life, but from his weakness came power and from […]

On Tuesday, 5th October 2021, Rev Peter Phillips was appointed as the Moderator of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of Victoria. This address was recorded on the 23rd September at Bendigo Presbyterian for the Assembly, which was held remotely. Congratulations to Peter and we look forward to having you and Lorraine represent the Presbyterian […]

This sermon on Luke 18:1-8 by guest preacher, Rev Peter Phillips, tackles some of the biggest questions in life. “Why is there injustice in the world? What is God doing about it? What should the response of God’s people be to injustice?” All these questions circle around us and pervade our society everyday and while […]

Sometimes it’s hard to see how the unfolding of our circumstances can always be as ‘good’ as God says they are. In 2 Kings 8:1-6, we have the situation where the woman from Shunem acted upon what Elisha had told her to do, only to have the whole thing unravel before her eyes. Maybe that’s […]

There’s an awful ring to the story recorded in 2 Kings 6:24-7:20. Not only is the prophet Elisha in danger – this time from the king of Israel! – the whole nation has hot rock-bottom due to the siege laid by the surrounding armies of Syria. Inside the captial, Samaria, things are a mess. Awful. […]

To be able to see is such a wonderful gift. Sight is such an important aspect to everyday life. But to be able to see what is invisible…now that’s something else. In the text of 2 Kings 6:8-23, it’s very clear that Elisha and his servant were in trouble – surrounded by the Syrian army. […]