The second half of Matthew 25 has a story from Jesus about gifts given in abundance that are entrusted to people not normally considered worthy. It is a story about people growing into God’s trust. It is also a story of God’s abundance spreading through ordinary people trusting God enough to allow the gifts to grow. If we think about lamps and light, it is finding ways to hold the lamp up high so that the gift shines brightly and illuminates widely.
Sermon November 16th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Jesus shares a perplexing parable about bridesmaids and oil lamps, where those with oil are called wise, and those without are considered foolish. As we explore this, we go in search of the good oil.
Sermon 9th November, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
On this All Saints Sunday we look at those who have shaped our own lives of faith and the legacy they have left us. From our gospel reading, Jesus urges people to follow those who practice what they preach, and then provides the ultimate focal point – God known through the teachings and actions of the Messiah.
We then reflect on what kind of legacy we will leave, as people who have the capacity to inspire others through our own journey of faith.
Sermon 2nd November, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
In today’s gospel story, Jesus reminds his antagonists that everything comes under the umbrella of God’s realm. If we are to give to God the things of God it impacts on how we are to live.
The people of the fledgling home-church in Thessalonica are praised by the apostle Paul for their courage and integrity despite living within a hostile culture. How do the things of God impact on you? What are the things you will be remembered for?
Sermon 19th October, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
When Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai amongst thunder and lightning, the people of Israel feared God’s anger and judgement. We discover that the fear of God has nothing to do with being afraid in this way, and that the commandments themselves have a much greater story of God’s love and liberation at their heart, with an invitation for all to live in the rhythm of God’s ways.
Sermon 5th October, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The people of Israel struggle again in the wilderness – this time thirsty and in fear of their lives. As the Lord guides Moses to the rock that will spring forth water, we find that God has always been present.
While it is good to remember these stories and celebrate them, if God is always present then God is creating new stories of our own of God with us.
Sermon: September 28th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The people of Israel find themselves desperately in need of food in the wilderness. Their plight seems so dire that they have forgotten the stories of God being with them all through this journey towards the promised land. The story of God with us is vital because it is the ultimate story of meaning and purpose. In the case of the people of Israel, God gives them another chapter of meaning as God’s story keeps weaving itself into their own story.
Sermon September 21st, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness: “Is seven times enough?”
Jesus responds in a startling manner, suggesting that we are called to never reach the end of our compassion and mercy towards others. We reflect on the forgiveness we receive from God, and how that changes our own lives.
Sermon September 14th, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Moses finds himself living in exile ‘beyond the wilderness’ because he took God’s justice into his own hands and killed an Egyptian guard.
From moments of being flawed and exiled, God calls ordinary human beings back to life in line with God’s purposes.
Sermon August 31st, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
God take our tears …. USE THEM TO WATER SOMETHING NEW.
The gospel story of the Canaanite woman pleading with Jesus that her daughter be free from torment is particularly troubling for those who desire healing and yet do not get the healing we desire. Is God not listening? Is our faith too small? Is God doing something else that we do not expect?
These are not academic questions for people who grieve. This week has been a difficult week for my family, so they are my questions as well.
Sermon 17th August, 2008Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga