Sermons

The Church Is the Hope of the World — Mike Phillips | Vision Renewal, Ormond Anglican Church

In this Vision Renewal sermon, Mike Phillips opens Matthew 9:9–13 and Matthew 28:16–20 to remind us of an extraordinary truth: the church—ordinary followers of Jesus—is God’s chosen instrument of hope for the world. Jesus calls Matthew with the simple but life‑changing invitation: “Follow me.” Mike explores how that same invitation still goes out to each of us—whether we are curious seekers, lifelong believers, doubters, or those who are spiritually drifting. In Jesus, no one is beyond mercy, and no one comes by merit—only by grace. Jesus sends His church to make disciples, baptize, teach, love, and share His good news with all people. Mike unpacks the heart of Ormond Anglican’s renewed vision: To be a growing community discovering, following, and sharing Jesus. In this sermon you’ll be encouraged to:

• Rediscover why every person needs Jesus’ mercy

• Reflect on your own response to Jesus’ call: Will you follow Him?

• Consider your part in God’s mission—praying, welcoming, inviting, giving, serving

• See how the church, empowered by Christ’s presence, becomes a beacon of hope for our neighbourhood and beyond.

In this message, Luke Prentice helps us see why we can have deep confidence in Jesus by looking closely at Matthew 2:13–23. As Matthew traces Jesus’ early life—His escape to Egypt, His return to Israel, and His upbringing in Nazareth—he repeatedly points us back to the Old Testament.

Christmas Day at Ormond Anglican,

On this joyful morning, Mike Phillips opens Matthew 2:1–12 and reflects on the extraordinary journey of the wise men—men who gave up their livelihood and comfort in their search for God. Their sacrifice points us to an even greater gift: Jesus, who gave up His life for all.

In this Christmas Eve message, Luke Prentice opens Matthew 2:1–12 and reflects on the wise men who travelled far to worship the newborn Jesus. Their story shows us that true worship is costly, rooted in identity, active, emotional, self‑lowering, focused entirely on Jesus, and marked by deep loyalty.

Mike’s sermon explores the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:1–17, highlighting the surprising and imperfect individuals within His family line. He reflects on how even Jesus’ own ancestry included “black sheep,” reminding us that God works through ordinary and flawed people to accomplish extraordinary purposes

Mike Phillips recalls a Christmas when he received an unwanted gift, and connects this experience to Matthew 1:18–25—reminding us that the gift God gives in Christ may not always be what we expect, but it is always what we need.

In the fourth sermon of our Mission Month series, Dan King from AFES speaks from Matthew 28:16–20, The Great Commission.

Dan reminds us that sharing the gospel is a calling for every follower of Jesus. Through the work of AFES in Australian universities, he shows how the gospel is reaching students, the challenges and joys of campus ministry, and the incredible ways God is at work through faithful witness of students on campus.

Be inspired to see how you, too, can join in God’s global mission.
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In the context of a funeral, Luke engages with the freedom of forgiveness. Roger's story, Psalm 32 and Matthew 11 help us see this powerful freedom that Jesus brings, which was lived out in this Christian man's life and faith.

Jesus warns his disciples that the road to life is hard pressed and the gate narrow, to beware of false prophets, and to be a true disciple.

Matthew 7:13-23 has much to teach us and Luke Prentice guides us through this passage to understand what is being said and how we can approach scripture ourselves.

Luke unpacks Jesus' teaching in Mathew chapter 7, encouraging believers to have true sight; to see themselves truly, to see gospel opponents truly, and to see our Father truly.

True sight produces kingdom joy. This sermon includes the post-sermon Q&A.

Luke guides us through Matthew 6:1-15, ensuring we hear the hard words of Jesus. Too often, our prayers are focused on ourselves, and too often, we withhold forgiveness from others.

Luke helps us to dwell on the need to put God first and forgive others whilst reminding us that we can only do this in the power and forgiveness we have already received from God.

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Matthew 5:48

Jesus' teaching encourages his followers to move past simple adherence to the law and instead to a perfect standard. Greg continues our journey through Matthew looking at Chapter 5:38-48, and helps us understand what the life Jesus calls us to look like and how it must inherently lead us to the cross.

In Matthew 5:17-37, Jesus instructs all of his followers to live a life of exceeding righteousness, to move past the simple sayings and interpretations, and to stand out as different from those around us. Greg takes us through these challenging verses clarifying things when needed and encouraging Christian listeners to strive for exceeding righteousness

This sermon is part of our January and February Series covering Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapters 5 to 7.

Matthew 5:13-16, To be salt and light is to live in a way that preserves life, reveals truth, and dispels evil. Greg encourages Christians to make sure their faith is having an impact on the world.

This sermon is part of our January and February Series covering Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapters 5 to 7.