Fifty years is a good age for retrospection, and this is the 50th anniversary of the formationn of a single Lutheran Church of Australia. It is also Reformation Sunday, going back to the roots of Lutheranism when a junior professor of theology pinned 95 debating points on the academic noticeboard for discussion. (Five hundred years later, the Lutheran and Catholic churches are slowly moving back from conflict to communion.) What was all the fuss about? The very heart of the Gospel. [Organ/Choir - Reformation]

How would you summarise the Christian life? Does “strength to strength” come to mind? Maybe not, but that is how the Good News of Jesus should come across to us. Today we look more closely at Psalm 84:7 to discover how this kind of life might be possible. (This address followed a performance of Bach's cantata BWV 113 "Lord Jesus Christ, O highest good".) [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 23]

We all struggle in life. We get anxious about the future. We wrestle with God and we want to know his will. God allows us to struggle with him, because he wants to guide our path. As Jacob wrestled with God, God blessed Jacob so that he can bring his blessing to others. God calls us to trust him, even in our weakness. He is in control. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 22]

Paul emphasises that his gospel is to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified, and raised from the dead. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 21]

We often operate out of duty. Duty is good, but it can crush us when it's not coupled with delight. We serve God dutifully out of God's delight in us, shown in the way that Jesus served through the cross. [Organ - Pentecost 20]

In another challenging parable, Jesus upends the traditional idea that wealth is a reward earned from God, and points clearly to our responsibilities to those around us. But do we really see, or are we too self-absorbed? [Organ - Pentecost 19]

Two of Jesus' most popular parables, which we might call the stories of the found sheep and the found coin, give us a picture of God as relentlessly searching for us, calling us back into relationship with him. And we are called to join this quest, inviting others to share in his kingdom, too. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 17]

Have you ever hated life? How about yourself? God designed it this way. Jesus here shows us how the Father’s love is so much different from ours. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost16]

Do you know you’re invited to the greatest wedding that’s ever taken place? If so, do you know how to get ready? Jesus is our host, and he gives the best advice on how to be ready. Come, listen in. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 15]

Recently back from a trip to Cambodia, senior pastor Andrew talks about how the work of Australian Lutheran World Service aligns with God's call since ancient times to his people: live out my heart of love for the suffering. [Organ - Pentecost 14]