Anchor Church City podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

Anchor Church City

Weekly preaching audio from Anchor City. Find Home.Weekly Gatherings: 10am Factory Theatre, Marrickville 2204.Lead Pastor: Matt Sparks

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 19, 2025 · Source feed

  1. 545

    A Call to Everyday Holiness

    Deuteronomy's long stretch of law lands on one declaration: Israel is the LORD's, and the LORD is Israel's; a treasured, holy people. But holiness was never meant to be private; it was meant to be seen by the watching world. Matt looks at what it means to be set apart not for our own sake, but as witness to everyone around us.

  2. 544

    A Call to Consecration

    We spend a lot of energy trying to feel "clean", chasing quick fixes like digital breaks and fresh starts. Yet Deuteronomy 12 challenges us to look deeper at what our lives are truly consecrated for. Our Lead Pastor, Matt Sparks, connects the dots between Israel's altars and Christ's ultimate sacrifice, inviting us into a candid reflection: what baggage do we need to drop, and what do we need to devote ourselves too?

  3. 543

    A Call to Remember

    It's easy to feel like you need God when you've got nothing left. Deuteronomy 8 asks a harder question: do you still need him when you've got everything? Moses looks back at Israel's wilderness and ahead to their promised land, and finds the same test of dependence in both.

  4. 542

    A Call to Love

    What do we do when we want to love God, but keep forgetting him? Deuteronomy 6 speaks to that very human problem. In this sermon, we look at why our attention drifts, why other things so easily take God’s place, and how listening, remembering and retelling the story of God’s love can shape the way we actually live.

  5. 541

    A Call to Covenant

    We tend to hear the Ten Commandments as a courtroom: rules to keep, or rules you've broken. But that's not how they were given. Before God says a single "you shall," he reminds Israel of a rescue already accomplished. In this sermon, we look at Deuteronomy 5 and ask what changes when we read the Ten Words not as a ladder to climb but as wisdom for a people already loved, and what it costs God to keep covenant with people who can't keep their side of it.

  6. 540

    A Call to Obedience

    Everyone worships something, you just might not call it worship. In this message from Deuteronomy 4, we ask why an ancient warning against idol-worship might be the sharpest diagnosis of modern life you've never heard: why the things we build our identity on always let us down, and why a "jealous God" might actually be the most loving thing about him. If you've ever wondered why exclusive claims about God feel intolerant this message flips that question on its head.

  7. 539

    A Call to Trust

    Forty years after fleeing slavery in Egypt, God's people stood on the edge of everything they'd been promised and chose fear over trust. In this message, we trace three ways ancient Israel let doubt curdle into disobedience, and what it looks like to trust a God who's already proven He'll carry us through our own giants. Because the same God who parted seas and led with fire by night is still asking: will you believe He's for you, even when the evidence feels stacked against you?

  8. 538

    How to Grasp and Know God

    Today we will be diving into Paul's letter to the Ephesians, prompting us to ask ourselves, what does our heart desire when we wonder? Do we ever wonder about God? Through Ephesians 3: 16-21, Paul is encouraging us to ask God for the ability to grasp and know him.

  9. 537

    Faithful Work, Loving Deeds, Enduring Hope

    Most of our prayers are focused on the next day or week, but what would it look like for our prayers to be shaped by eternity?In 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul models a radically different posture for our prayer lives. Instead of focusing inward on immediate comforts, Paul challenges us to widen the angle and shift our focus outward, to relentlessly lifting up others in prayer and anchoring our hearts in the future return of Christ.

  10. 536

    Enlightened Eyes

    Jacqui shares Paul's prayer from Ephesians 1:15-23 - a prayer that God would enlighten the eyes of our heart to know him and to know the hope, inheritance and resurrection power of Christ that is ours too.

  11. 535

    A Foundation for Gratitude

    Most of our prayers orbit our own lives; jobs, health, the small stuff. But the Apostle Paul prayed for a church he'd never met, and what he asked for wasn't comfort or circumstances, it was knowledge! In this message from Colossians 1, we learn to pray with a wider lens: kingdom-shaped prayers that don't just change what we ask for, but slowly change the people we're becoming.

  12. 534

    Tithing is Trusting

    Money reveals what we actually trust. In this talk from 2 Corinthians 9, Matt explores why consistent, gospel-motivated generosity isn't a financial strategy, it's an act of faith that grows our trust in God as our ultimate provider. When we give, we're not just being obedient, we're training our hearts to rest in Him.

  13. 533

    The Comparison Trap

    We all know the feeling: someone else has what we want, and the maths just doesn't add up. This week, Ps. Matt opens up Psalm 73, where the ancient songwriter Asaph wrestles with the same comparison trap we scroll into every day, and nearly loses his faith over it. A message about how a shift in perspective can turn envy into worship, and why God might just be enough after all.

  14. 532

    Reframing the Cost of Living Crisis

    In this week's message, we're taken to the Sermon on the Mount to reframe the cost of living crisis; not as a financial problem, but as a test of faith. The antidote to anxiety isn't a better budget or a higher salary, but a rightly ordered life that seeks God's kingdom first. A message about letting go of the need for certainty, and learning to trust the one who already knows.

  15. 531

    MOVEMENT SUNDAY

    On this special day, guest speaker Pastor Ashley Brown from Wasilla Bible Church reads from 1 Corinthians:15 and discusses how Jesus' resurrection opens the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven for us all.

  16. 530

    Familiar Stranger: Pentecost Sunday

    In this Pentecost Sunday message, our Lead Pastor Matt, explores why the Holy Spirit came not to make us comfortable, but to make us courageous, and what it looks like for ordinary people to be filled and sent by the same Spirit that transformed a fisherman into a preacher who turned Jerusalem upside down. This is a message for anyone who has ever wanted more of God but isn't sure they're ready for where he might send them.

  17. 529

    Familiar Stranger: Clothed with power

    In this penultimate Sermon of our Familiar Stranger series, Jacques explores how we can live the Christain life in timidity but we are to trust in the power of God. As he may manifest in his gifts for the church.

  18. 528

    Familiar Stranger: Keep in step with the Spirit

    Are you white-knuckling your faith and wondering why you keep losing the exact same battles with sin day after day? A lot of us treat the Holy Spirit like a one-time transaction we received at salvation, leaving us trying to survive an exhausting world entirely on our own fumes. This message breaks down why being "filled with the Spirit" isn't some elite religious experience—it's the daily, non-negotiable fuel you need to stop running on empty and actually live a life of power.

  19. 527

    The Familiar Stranger: A Story of Extremes

    Most of us know about the Holy Spirit — we've sung about Him, read about Him, maybe even preached about Him — but if we're honest, He often feels more like a theological category than a living person. In this first message of Parakletos, we explore why that gap exists, what Scripture actually promises about the Spirit's presence, and why Jesus made the scandalous claim that His leaving was the best thing that could happen to us. If you've ever sensed there's more to the Christian life than you're currently experiencing, this one's for you.

  20. 526

    The Familiar Stranger

    Most of us know about the Holy Spirit — we've sung about Him, read about Him, maybe even preached about Him — but if we're honest, He often feels more like a theological category than a living person. In this first message of Parakletos, we explore why that gap exists, what Scripture actually promises about the Spirit's presence, and why Jesus made the scandalous claim that His leaving was the best thing that could happen to us. If you've ever sensed there's more to the Christian life than you're currently experiencing, this one's for you.

  21. 525

    Hungry for the word

    In a world designed to keep us scrolling, how do we cultivate a genuine hunger for what actually matters? Join us as we explore 1 Peter 2:2-3 and the "Power of 4"—a life-changing rhythm of engaging with Scripture that moves us from being spiritually malnourished to truly satisfied in Christ.

  22. 524

    Once for all

    When so much of life feels uncertain and unfinished, we’re always seraching for something solid to stand on. Hebrews 10 shows the beautiful contrast between the old sacrificial system, where sacrifices had to be repeated again and again, and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. What those sacrifices could never fully accomplish, Christ completed perfectly. Because of His finished work, we don’t have to live with uncertainty about where we stand with God. Instead, we can have real assurance, drawing near to Him with confidence and encouraging one another to hold firmly to that hope.

  23. 523

    Easter Sunday

    In a world where evil often feels impossible to overcome, the "Easter Paradox" reveals that what appeared to be a victim on a cross was actually a Victor disarming the powers of darkness. This message explores how the King of Glory broke the "impenetrable stronghold" of death, transforming a scene of deep humiliation into a triumphant victory parade for all who believe. Discover how the Resurrection makes the impossible real, inviting us to trade the brokenness of our own hearts for the living hope of a King who has already won the battle.

  24. 522

    Work & Rest

    Discover how a "Rule of Life" and the practice of Sabbath offer a subversive rebellion against the modern cult of busyness and "striving". By embracing our God-given limits, we move from the anxiety of "toil" to a rhythm of "shalom" that fuels our vocational flourishing.

  25. 521

    Career and Calling

    Stop waiting for a "sacred" calling and start seeing your Monday-to-Friday as an act of high worship. Drawing from the story of the artisan Bezalel, this message explores how God uniquely wires, equips, and positions you to serve His purposes through excellence in your everyday work.

  26. 520

    Work and the Curse

    Discover how the "Fall" chapter in God’s story transforms our unmet expectations into a realistic perspective of work that balances fruit with frustration. By understanding sin as a distortion of God’s creative intention, we can stop idolizing or loathing our labor and instead find a hopeful way to work within a post-Eden world.

  27. 519

    Thank God it's Monday

    The Goodness of God, the Goodness of WorkGod has created work for each and everyone of us. As we find our purposes, partner with God and seek pleasure in the vocation God has given us, may we glorify him and serve others with our gifts and talents.

  28. 518

    Not For Display: Raise em Up

    Inspired by the vision of Psalm 78, this message explores the critical "three-generation slide" and the danger of gospel amnesia. Join us as we look at how to move from merely assuming our faith to actively investing in the next generation, turning a community of believers into a family of spiritual parents.

  29. 517

    Not For Display: No Spectators

    In this sermon, Matt explores how the Bible calls each one of us to play our part when it comes to ministry. There are no spectators when it comes to our faith.

  30. 516

    Not For Display: Discipled by the Algorithm

    Discipled by the Algorithm explores how Psalm 1 and John 15:4–5 confront the quiet forces shaping our desires, attention, and habits every day. Jesus invites us to abide in Him like branches in the vine, so that instead of being formed by endless feeds, we become rooted, fruitful, and alive in the Word that endures.

  31. 515

    Not For Display

    Not For Display: Faith that only looks good on the outside is useless. In this episode, we unpack James 2:14‑26 and challenge our church to move from passive belief to a life of action, power, and obedience that changes everything.”

  32. 514

    When Jesus Walks you Home

    Joel Bennet - Guest PreacherWhen Jesus walks you home.Jesus walks with us in what feels insignificant.Jesus walks with us through disappointment.Jesus walks with us when we invite him in.We can depend on him and know that he will be faithful till the end of the age.

  33. 513

    Keeping Score before God

    Jesus tells a story for people who feel spiritually fine. In Luke 18:9–14, He exposes the quiet sin of self-righteousness and the hidden ways we justify ourselves by comparison. This message invites us to lay down our measurements and rediscover the mercy of God.

  34. 512

    Jesus Loves Me , This I Know!

    A teaching from John 13 that invites us beyond knowing about Jesus’ love to being personally affected by it. This sermon explores how Christ loves us completely, practically, unconditionally, and intimately, and calls us to receive that love as the truest foundation of our identity.

  35. 511

    Love One Another

    How do you actually know if you’re following Jesus? John’s answer is simple and challenging—love. Not vague feelings or good intentions, but a love shaped by the way God has first loved us. God’s love redefines how we treat others and is the clearest, truest sign that Jesus is at work in us.

  36. 510

    Better Than Our Plans

    The story found in Luke 8:40-56 disrupts the self reliance we reach for at New Year and the belief that our plans can secure the future we want. Jesus alone can be trusted with both our timing and our plans. His ways lead to a better life than any of us could have imagined for ourselves.

  37. 509

    Christmas Service

    In this sermon, we reflect on what Christmas means to us as Christians: a reminder of God's promise to us.

  38. 508

    Unbroken

    How can I be sure God really loves me? Paul gives us the answer in Romans 8:31-39, reminding us that if God didn’t hold back His own Son, there’s nothing—absolutely nothing—that can separate us from His love.

  39. 507

    CELEBRATION SUNDAY

    How can we remain thankful and joyful in a world full of disappointment and hurt? This is a rally call to defiant joy based on the firm conviction that God. Is. Good!

  40. 506

    No wasted pain

    Romans 8:28-30 contains a promise that there is No Wasted Pain for those who follow Jesus. But what does that mean when we encounter suffering and evil in a broken world? And how do we exchange the great, assuring promise of this passage with false comforts and human platitudes?

  41. 505

    Breathe in the bones

    Drawing on Romans 8:22–27, this sermon reflects on the Spirit’s groaning intercession as the reason Christians can hope even while we wrestle with sin and suffering. We learn how the Spirit forms in us a posture of eager expectation for the world God is making new.

  42. 504

    The weight of glory

    In this message, The Weight of Glory from Romans 8:18–22, we explore Paul’s breathtaking vision that present suffering is not worth comparing to the glory that awaits God’s people. Through vivid imagery and honest reflection, we’re reminded that the path to glory always runs through the cross—and that even creation itself longs for the day when all things are made new

  43. 503

    Spirit of Adoption

    The Bible calls us Children of God, a truth readily acknowledged but rarely lived out. Jacques explores 1) The uniqueness of the Father – child relationship for God. 2) The ways we want to make God our Master and not our father and 3) The spirits work confirming this to our heart.

  44. 502

    Spirit vs flesh

    Many people feel trapped in habits they can’t shake—but Romans 8:5–13 explodes the myth that change is impossible. In this message, we’ll discover how the Spirit of God frees us from the power of sin and leads us into a victorious, Spirit-filled life where real transformation isn’t achieved by striving—but received by surrender.

  45. 501

    Uncondemnable

    Romans 8 is often called 'the greatest chapter in the Bible'. Join us as we begin a seven week journey through the riches of this part of God's word, beginning with the truth that in Christ Jesus - we are not condemned!

  46. 500

    Healing the Boy with an Unclean Spirit

    The disciples had seen God move before—but this time, what worked in the past didn’t work again. It’s a powerful reminder that when it comes to faith, past success doesn’t guarantee future success. Real faith isn’t about formulas or memories of what once worked; it’s about daily dependence on God. What does genuine faith looks like in the ups and downs of life and how can we keep trusting Jesus consistently?

  47. 499

    Wonder-Working God: Miracles

    What is God's purpose behind miracles? Listen as Ben Camilleri unpacks three reasons why God performed miracles in the time of Jesus - and today.

  48. 498

    Compassion Sunday

    When Jesus encountered those in need, instead of turning away he was moved with compassion in a vivid picture of God’s heart for people who are hurting or on the margins. What does it mean to follow his example? Hear about our partnership with Compassion and how together we can bring practical help, dignity and hope to children and families in need around the world.

  49. 497

    Will The Future Still Be Human?

    Dave Deane from Questioning Christianity is our guest preacher to close the Beyond Grey Series. Addressing AI & technology, he answers the question: will the future still be human?

  50. 496

    Infatuated with a Beautiful God

    Guest preacher Jeff Jones invites us to see God not only as true, but as breathtakingly beautiful — both transcendent in majesty and immanent in nearness. When we are captivated by the beauty of Jesus, our worship, obedience, and even our suffering are transformed.Bible Reading: Revelation 5:6-13 (NIV)

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Weekly preaching audio from Anchor City. Find Home.Weekly Gatherings: 10am Factory Theatre, Marrickville 2204.Lead Pastor: Matt Sparks

HOSTED BY

Anchor Church Sydney

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Anchor Church City have?

Anchor Church City currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Anchor Church City about?

Weekly preaching audio from Anchor City. Find Home.Weekly Gatherings: 10am Factory Theatre, Marrickville 2204.Lead Pastor: Matt Sparks

How often does Anchor Church City release new episodes?

Anchor Church City has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Anchor Church City?

You can listen to Anchor Church City on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Anchor Church City?

Anchor Church City is created and hosted by Anchor Church Sydney.
URL copied to clipboard!