Ashfield Presbyterian Church

08/06/2026

2 Samuel 13-14: A Broken Family

Mostly, when someone harms you or insults you, they’re A STRANGER. Or at least you don’t know them WELL. But when that hurt comes FROM FAMILY, it’s FAR MORE DAMAGING. Their WORDS cut deeper. The wounds last longer. The BETRAYAL and DISLOYALTY are MORE UNEXPECTED. These chapters contain some of the most heart-breaking, horrible family situations in the Bible. Everything just seems even WORSE than what we looked at last week, (with David, Bathsheba and Uriah)....

Mostly, when someone harms you or insults you, they’re A STRANGER. Or at least you don’t know them WELL. But when that hurt comes FROM FAMILY, it’s FAR MORE DAMAGING. Their WORDS cut deeper. The wo…

31/05/2026

2 Samuel 11-12: The God of Second Chances

2 Samuel 11 is one of the most horrible chapters in the Bible. There’s no way to soften it. It describes King David’s lust, sexual assault, abuse of power, deceit and murder. If we’d heard it reported in the news, we’d have said, “What a rotten person! Yet another example of people in authority abusing their power to satisfy their sick, selfish appetites.” Then, perhaps, we’d have comforted ourselves that we’d never do something like that....

2 Samuel 11 is one of the most horrible chapters in the Bible. There’s no way to soften it. It describes King David’s lust, sexual assault, abuse of power, deceit and murder. If we’d heard it repor…

24/05/2026

2 Samuel 8-10: The kindness of God

Today we’re focusing on one word in particular. KINDNESS. It’s there in verse 1 of chapter 9. (And again in v3 and 7. And twice more in chapter 10 v2.) What is KINDNESS? I actually think it’s difficult to DEFINE. It’s a mixture of generosity, gentleness, thoughtfulness, compassion and empathy. It’s probably easier to RECOGNISE than it is to DEFINE....

Today we’re focusing on one word in particular. KINDNESS. It’s there in verse 1 of chapter 9. (And again in v3 and 7. And twice more in chapter 10 v2.) What is KINDNESS? I actually think it’s diffi…

17/05/2026

2 Samuel 7: The Eternal Kingdom

Is Jesus still king when my life is falling apart? It’s relatively EASY to follow Jesus when life’s comfortable and fun and simple. But once things get DIFFICULT, it’s HARDER. Once persecution comes, or financial difficulties, or relationship breakdown, or long-term illness, or chronic pain, or you fail badly. It’s easy to DOUBT, or QUESTION, or WORRY, or feel sorry for yourself....

Is Jesus still king when my life is falling apart? It’s relatively EASY to follow Jesus when life’s comfortable and fun and simple. But once things get DIFFICULT, it’s HARDER. Once persecution come…

12/05/2026

Join us for an evening exploring how faith has already invaded the workplace. Modern work has become spiritual, whether we’re ready for it or not. The good news is that God is already powerfully at work in us each day. All we need to do is pay attention to his work as we labour in his name. Registration link in bio.
We’re joined by Matt Aroney, who is a catalyst attached to the Global Faith and Work Initiative and helps mobilise faith and work ministry in different contexts through Asia. Matt and his wife Kass have three children and a wealth of experience in pastoral ministry in Sydney, currently serving at South Head Anglican Parish. Matt will be speaking about the place of faith in work.

A panel of workers from a range of industries will also share their experiences of living out their faith in the workplace, followed by an open Q&A.

We’ll also be exploring opportunities for industry-specific mentoring — helping you grow in your faith, flourish in your vocation, and pursue the good of others in your particular field.
Whether you’re just starting out or navigating the challenges of your career, this event will encourage and equip you to connect your faith and work with purpose.
Location: Joshua Tree Petersham Presbyterian
Gordon St Petersham
Ticket $20 - Includes dinner and drinks.
Carparking available from West St Open Languages High School
7pm - Arrive & Dinner
7:30pm - Keynote - Matt Aroney
8:00pm - Panel Discussion
8:30pm - Q&A

12/05/2026

What a joy to welcome these people into church membership at a recent evening service, and to hear how God has been working in their lives!

10/05/2026

2 Samuel 5:6-6:23: The Joy of the LORD

Would people who know you describe you as JOYFUL? I’m fairly emotionally stable. I don’t have deep lows, but I also don’t have great highs, either. My guess is, most of the time, people wouldn’t describe me as JOYFUL. And there are definitely times when, instead of JOY, I feel frustrated. Or sorry for myself. Or annoyed. Or impatient. Or self-righteous....

Would people who know you describe you as JOYFUL? I’m fairly emotionally stable. I don’t have deep lows, but I also don’t have great highs, either. My guess is, most of the time, people wouldn’t de…

03/05/2026

2 Samuel 2-5:5: Long live the king

Today we watch as David establishes his kingship. God’s chosen him as king. Years earlier, he’d been anointed as king by Samuel. But God’s plans have taken a long time. And even now that Saul’s died, David’s path to the throne isn’t easy or simple. David has to work at building his support base. To earn people’s loyalty. And, like I mentioned last week, the portraits we see here of David and the other major players are COMPLEX....

Today we watch as David establishes his kingship. God’s chosen him as king. Years earlier, he’d been anointed as king by Samuel. But God’s plans have taken a long time. And even now that Saul’s die…

29/04/2026

Join us for our next Christianity Explored course, starting Sunday, May 17, 4.15-5.30 for five weeks. Five conversations about who Jesus is, and what difference he can make in your life. Link in bio

27/04/2026

2 Samuel 1: How the mighty have fallen

Have you been to many funerals? Maybe a family member, or close friend? I’ve been to plenty over the years, and they’re never fun. The grief, the loss, the emptiness, the confusion. And the CLOSER you are to the person who’s died, the WORSE IT IS. But the harsh reality is that, until Jesus returns, death is a part of life....

Have you been to many funerals? Maybe a family member, or close friend? I’ve been to plenty over the years, and they’re never fun. The grief, the loss, the emptiness, the confusion. And the CLOSER …