Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:31:34 +1200WeeblySun, 12 Apr 2026 03:42:53 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/resurrection-and-life-after-life-part-2Preacher: Don Battley [Text: Luke 24: 36-49]
After introducing the concept of Near Death Experiences, last week, Don continues with more information about this interesting phenomenon which gives support to our established doctrine of life after death.

]]>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:53:37 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/resurrection-and-life-after-lifePreacher: Don Battley [Text: Luke 24:1-34]
As we celebrate the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead, Don Battley gave us the fruit of his reading about Near Death Experiences (NDEs) - a phenomenon which has been under investigation for some decades now and encourages us in our belief that there is life after this life.
Next week, he will continue with part two of this series.

2026-04-05_resurrection_and_life_after_life.pdf
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]]>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 05:29:32 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/approaching-and-surviving-deathThis sermon delivered by Don Batley as part of a series for Holy Week, explores how Jesus faced his impending death and what this teaches Christians about dying well. Don emphasises accepting the inevitability of death while finding hope in eternity, with a teaser for future discussions on resurrection and near-death experiences.

2026-03-29_approaching_and_surviving_death.pdf
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]]>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 02:51:13 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-lifePreacher: Wendy Fowler [Text: John 1-45]
Wendy explores the story of Lazarus, focusing on Jesus' delay, weeping, and conversation with Martha, revealing God's plan for resurrection and life. She highlights the importance of expressing grief, the hope of eternal life, and the call to share this hope with others.

2026-03-22_the_resurrection_and_the_life.pdf
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]]>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:21:35 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/sin-healing-and-unbeliefPreacher: Ian Hardcastle [Text: John 9]
In the account of Jesus healing the man blind from birth, we see three main points:

1. That we are not to think that personal sin is the cause of sickness;
2. That Jesus healed (and we know that he taught his disciples to heal and to teach their disciples...);
3. That unbelief blinds us to what God is doing.

]]>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/suffering-produces-perseverance-character-and-finally-hopePreacher: Peter Lloyd [Text: Romans 5:1-11]
Peter explores the uncomfortable idea here, that it is suffering that develops perseverance in us, which develops character and that leads to hope.  How we wish there were a shortcut!  But Peter graciously takes us through these verses and this concept.

]]>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/the-faith-of-abrahamPreacher: Helen Hardcastle [Texts: Genesis 12:1-4; Galatians 3]
Helen took us through Abraham's background, his faith and the Biblical definition of "Faith."  

website_260301_the_faith_of_abraham.pdf
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]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 04:31:22 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/withstanding-temptationPreacher: Ian Hardcastle [Text: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Matthew 4:1-11]
This Lent, we’re invited to step into the wilderness with Jesus and see how he faced real temptation and came through victorious. From the very first human sin in the garden to the challenges Jesus endured, we’ll explore the doubts, desires, and pressures that test all of us. More importantly, we’ll see how Jesus resisted by trusting God’s Word and how we can do the same in our lives today.

2026-02-22_withstanding_temptation.pdf
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]]>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 03:04:36 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/some-hard-sayingsPreacher: Peter Lloyd [Text: Matthew 5:21-37]
As we continue through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us some hard sayings.  How do we understand what he says about anger and murder, lust and adultery?  Peter offers an approach to guide our response in obedience and realism.

]]>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:52:29 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/being-salt-and-lightPreacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Matthew 5:13-20; Isaiah 58:1-12]
These are challenging texts which call for change and obedience.  How do we respond?  What does it mean to be salt of the earth and light of the world?  Maybe the key lies in asking God to lead us and use us each day as we learn his ways.

2026-02-08_being_salt_and_light.pdf
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]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 02:16:35 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/february-01st-2026Preacher: Helen Hardcastle [Texts: 1st Corinthians 1:18-31; John 3:1-15]
Helen focused on the Letter to the Corinthians and the power of the Cross of Christ.  She drew on the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus as an example of God's ways confounding the wise.  Do we know the power of the Cross in our lives?

2026-02-01_the_power_of_the_cross.pdf
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]]>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/follow-the-call-of-jesusPreacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Matthew 4:12-23; Isaiah 9:1-4]
After he was baptised Jesus called the people to repent - change their minds and follow him.  He called disciples to follow him.  He taught with authority and he healed.

2026-01-25_called_to_follow_jesus.pdf
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]]>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/where-are-our-minds-and-hearts-focussed-who-or-what-occupies-our-thoughtsPreacher: Anne Aspden [Text: Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42​]

Anne invites us to reflect on where our minds and hearts are truly focused. Through the lens of everyday concerns, it reminds us that while life often feels uncertain and beyond our control, we can trust that God is at work for our good. Drawing on Isaiah’s Servant Songs and John the Baptist’s witness, it points to Jesus as the faithful Servant, the Light for all nations, and the Lamb of God who brings salvation and hope.

focused_18_january_2026.pdf
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]]>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 03:32:47 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/the-baptism-of-christPreacher: Trevor McCracken [Text: Matthew 3:13-17]
Jesus did not immediately behave as John the Baptist expected and he does not always do what we expect him to do.   
We can expect the unexpected with Jesus and we know that those who are repentant and faithful will be led by the same voice that spoke from heaven at Jesus' baptism.

]]>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 04:38:58 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/wise-men-seek-him-stillPreacher: Ian Hardcastle  [Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12]

Ian looked at the account of the Magi seeking and finding the infant Jesus through the lens of the reading from the Ephesians.   Paul wrote that:
1.His message was revealed to him (v3).
2.We may approach God with freedom & confidence (v12).
3.Gentiles are included into the body of God’s people. (v6)
4.God will reveal his wisdom through the Church (v10-11).

So we find the Magi had revelation about the child; they approached him to worship with confidence; These were the first Gentiles to know who he was; God revealed his wisdom to them.
The same four truths apply to us too.  We need to receive revelation from God; we can approach with freedom and confidence; we are included in the body of God's people; through the Church the wisdom of God will be revealed to the heavenly powers.

2026-01-04_wise_men_seek_him_still.pdf
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]]>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 03:11:43 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/does-god-still-speak-through-dreamsPreacher: Helen Hardcastle [Texts: Job 33:14-18; Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-23]
In the accounts of God's dealings with Joseph, there are four guiding dreams: Joseph is told that he is to marry Mary and raise the child, the Magi are told not to report back to Herod, Joseph is told to flee to Egypt and later that it is safe to return to Israel but to go to Nazareth.  Does God still speak through dreams?

2025-12-28_god_speaks_through_dreams.pdf
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]]>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/will-you-receive-or-reject-the-wordPreacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: John 1:1-18; Isaiah 49:5-8; Hebrews 1:1-4]
The Apostle John does not tell us of the birth of Jesus in the way Matthew and Luke do.  He goes far far further back to before time and starts there.  He introduces us to One he calls "The Word" - the underlying rationality of the universe in Greek thought and the message of God in Jewish philosophy.  The Word became human - will you receive him or not?

2025-12-25_will_you_receive_or_reject_the_word.pdf
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]]>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:36:46 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/four-surprising-womenPreacher: Peter Lloyd [Text: Matthew 1]
As we approach Christmas, Peter looks at the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel and draws our attention to four women there.  That was most unusual culturally.  But then the circumstances were even more strange ...

]]>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/doubt-and-unbeliefPreacher: Ian Hardcastle [Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11]
In the Advent season, looking at the coming of Christ into public ministry, we find John the Baptist in prison and doubting whether Jesus is actually the Messiah.  He did the right thing - he asked the Lord about it!  God doesn't mind our honest questions - it is grumbling he really does not like.  So doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.

2025-12-14_doubt_and_unbelief.pdf
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]]>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/sermons/advent-sundayPreacher: Ian Hardcastle  [Texts: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44]
Advent directs our attention to the Second Coming of Christ.  The passage from Isaiah describes the righteous rule of Christ on earth.  In the Gospel reading, Jesus warns that no one knows the time of his return except the Father but emphasises that we should be ready.  The Letter to the Romans helps us understand how we should live being ready for the return of our Lord.

2025-11-30_advent.pdf
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