jodiemcneill.com » Talks

The first words of Jesus after the Resurrection – my Easter Sunday sermon on John 20:1-18

Jodie — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:53:39 +0000

When Jesus rose from the dead, it was a time for celebration, not sadness. Yet, Mary stood by the empty tomb in tears.

Jesus’ first words after his resurrection were to her, as he asked “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

His question showed that the resurrection of Jesus was a twist in the plot of his life that she never expected.

And this showed that she misunderstood the death and resurrection of Jesus.

But for us who understand the resurrection of Jesus, the empty tomb is the place of hope.

Listen to my sermon at Engadine Anglican Church on Easter Sunday, 8th April 2012.

Isaiah 1:1-2:4 Sermon – Facing failure

Jodie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:35:38 +0000

Failure’s often a dirty word. But failure’s far more positive than we often paint it.

In this sermon from Isaiah 1 we see failure upon failure. We see the failure of God’s people to love God. We see the failure of God’s people to love one another. And we even see what seems to be failure of God, himself.

Yet, despite this apparent failure, there is hope.

Listen to this sermon originally preached on 1st May 2011 at Sylvania Anglican Church where I highlight the hope found in the fulfilled promises of God.

Matthew 6:13 Sermon – Lead us not into temptation

Jodie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:27:57 +0000

It’s easy to see why our world glamorises temptation. But, when it comes down to reality, temptation is really just another way of showing that we’re not satisfied with what God’s given us. It’s about doubting God’s goodness, his provision for us. It’s about wanting more than what God’s given us.

And so this is why we pray that it won’t happen. We ask our Father to “Lead us not into temptation, but (to) deliver us from evil.”

Listen to this deeply-personal sermon on this phrase in The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:13 where I talk about a number of temptations that affect us, and discuss practical ways to survive them. Preached at Sylvania Anglican Church on 28th November 2010.

Matthew 6:10 Sermon – Let your kingdom come

Jodie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:55:56 +0000

Probably the most dangerous request ever made by anyone is the simple sentence, “Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as in heaven.”

In the second talk from a series on The Lord’s Prayer, we look at what this phrase means, and why it’s so dangerous. And hopefully, by the end of the talk, you’ll see why it’s such a great thing for us to pray to God.

Listen to this sermon on Matthew 6:10, the second phrase from The Lord’s Prayer, as preached 6pm on 31st October 2010 at Sylvania Anglican Church.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Sermon – Be alert but not alarmed

Jodie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:37:58 +0000

The ‘Day of the Lord’ is just around the corner.

What will that day be like? Should we fear it? How can we prepare for it?

Listen to this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 preached 6pm 26th September 2010 at Sylvania Anglican Church.

Acts 1:1-11 Sermon – Waiting for the Kingdom

Jodie — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:05:01 +0000

As the disciples were joined by Jesus after his resurrection, they waited impatiently for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

As they waited, they asked a question that showed they didn’t really understand what the Kingdom of God was to be like.

Jesus gently corrects them, and in turn us, about just where the Kingdom is, what people will be in that kingdom, and when it will come.

Listen to this sermon on Acts 1:1-11 preached 9am 24th January 2010 at Sylvania Anglican Church.

Luke 23 Sermon – The Great Injustice

Jodie — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:31:34 +0000

As I spoke on Luke 23, I realised afresh the enormous injustice of the sentencing of Jesus to death.

It was clear that Pontius Pilate was convinced of the innocence of Jesus, and yet he willingly sent him to be crucified.

Listen to this Bible talk on the crucifixion of Jesus, as preached on 22nd November 2009 at Sylvania Anglican Church.

Listen to my Christmas Eve 2009 all-age Bible talk at Sylvania Anglican

Jodie — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:19:21 +0000

Have a listen to the Bible talk I gave at Sylvania Anglican on 24th December 2009 at our 6pm all-age (kiddies included) service.

I spoke on Matthew 2:1-12 and invited the congregation to consider the two reactions to the birth of Jesus. Some followed the star to him and worshipped him (i.e. the star gazers) but others followed the star to try and kill him (i.e. Herod).

Near the end of the talk you’ll hear a badly-distorted recording of an original song I performed. Please adjust your headphones accordingly!

Please let me know if you have any technical difficulties with this, as it’s my first attempt at a podcast!

Divine Plagiarism

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:35:02 +0000

How often have you heard the saying “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary use words”? This oft-repeated quote from St Francis of Assisi is often bandied around as a reminder that our actions speak louder than words. Yet, this motivation to live good lives can easily turn into an excuse not to speak at all.

Read my full thoughts in my article at sydneyanglicans.net.

‘Real Hope’ mission in Tamworth

Jodie — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:14:17 +0000

I’m off to speak at the ‘Real Hope’ mission in Tamworth on the 9th and 10th of November this year. Details here at christianitytoday.com.

I will be speaking to the youth on the Friday night, then speaking to all ages at the Saturday night outreach event. I will also be conducting a training seminar on youth ministry in the afternoon.