St Andrews Church Geraldine‘s Podcast

In Matthew 7:24–28, Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with a clear and urgent warning: storms will come—whether through suffering, loss, or final judgment—and only those who build their lives on obedience to his words will stand. He likens the obedient to a wise builder who anchors his house on rock, unshaken by floods or winds. This call to action is not passive admiration but radical trust and daily practice. History echoes Jesus’ words—whether in Hans Heberle’s war-torn Germany, Augustine’s sack of Rome, or the witness of persecuted Christians today, it is only those rooted in Christ who remain firm when all else falls. Jesus’ teaching forms a storm-resistant soul by shaping our character through suffering (Matthew 5:3–12), shifting our hope from temporary treasures to eternal reward (Matthew 6:1–24), and freeing us from anxiety by anchoring us in the Father’s care (Matthew 6:25–34). As C.S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.” Ultimately, Jesus presents two builders, two foundations, and two destinies—not to alarm, but to invite: build your life on the Rock, and when the storm comes, you will stand.Matthew 7:24-29

Not everyone who claims the name of Jesus truly belongs to Him. In this striking passage, Jesus warns that outward signs—words, spiritual gifts, even miracles—are not the ultimate test of genuine discipleship. What matters is whether our lives reflect a growing obedience to the will of the Father, shaped by grace and empowered by the Spirit.
As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, He draws a sharp line between true and false disciples. This message explores six key truths from the text, showing that mere profession is not the same as possession, and that Christ desires relationship, not performance. The final judgment will reveal the state of every heart—not just what was said or done, but who we truly were.
This is not a call to strive in fear, but an invitation to examine our hearts and cling to Christ. The grace that saves does not leave us unchanged—it reshapes our desires, our character, and our lives.
Matthew 7:21-23

Jesus proclaimed: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).  God had said that there is only one way for us to gain salvation – hence the description of the narrow gate.  The philosophies and culture of society continue to broaden the wider gate by suggesting new ways that humanity can accept as alternatives to God’s one way of salvation.  Jesus said only a few would find the right way.  Our task in the Missio Dei (God’s mission plan) is to help a few more find Jesus as their way.Matthew 7:13-14 and John 14:1-6

 
Wolves Among Sheep: Recognizing False Prophets.  Matthew: 7:15-20

The greatest historical event of all time is recorded in the gospel of John, chapter 20. This chapter records eye witness accounts of Jesus rising from the dead as the first fruits of God's saving grace to us. In this resurrection story the four actions: 'seeing, moving, believing, and belonging' are central to that day in history, as well as today. Today we see God's power working in our lives; we go and tell others the good news; we believe what the first witnesses proclaimed; and through this faith we belong to God's family. John 20:1-18

This message explores the world-changing power of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12 — “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Far from being a generic moral slogan, the Golden Rule revolutionised the ancient world by introducing empathy, mercy, and the equal worth of every human being. In a society where dignity belonged only to the powerful, Jesus taught that even the poor, sick, and abandoned mattered — not because of status, but because they bear the image of God. This radical idea helped shape human rights, justice, and compassion in Western civilisation, influencing everything from abolition movements to public healthcare. But this isn’t just history — it’s a calling. For Christians, the Golden Rule is not lived out by human effort but by the power of the Holy Spirit, in response to God’s grace, and with the goal of pleasing God. When we live this out — especially in hard situations — we offer the world a window into the heart of God. This message looks at three ways the Spirit can unleash the Golden Rule in our lives to bring real transformation this week.       Matthew 7:12

Prayer is more than just getting what we want from God: it is about partnering with Him in a conversation that looks to the approaching fullness of His kingdom.  Jesus speaks of having the right heart attitude and that we pray persistently.  As we grow in our prayer partnership with God those prayers become conversations that enable us to hear God more clearly.Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 18:1-8

Trevor Clarke is the director of Ethnos New Zealand and is sharing a message that encapsulates the work God is doing around the world among isolated tribal people groups.2 Corinthians 5:14-21