Wellington South Baptist Sermon Podcast

There are certain phrases that change everything, phrases that announce a new reality has come into being and, by announcing that new reality, invite those who hear it to live in a new way in light of it. Mark 1:14-20 includes a sentence like that, a sentence that summarizes the “good news” or “gospel” that Jesus preached: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” This sermon was preached via pre-recorded video, thanks to Carey Baptist College's 'Sermons on Demand 2026'.Passage: Mark 1:14-20Speaker: Michael Rhodes, Lecturer in Old Testament, Carey Baptist College

In the conclusion to what was meant to be a series for Lent focusing on forgiveness, we reflect on where boundaries apply to prevent the concept and practice of forgiveness from becoming weaponised.Passage: 2 Timothy 4:9-18Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Have you ever looked for something only to realise it was right in front of you the whole time? In this sermon, we explore how 'sight is complicated', not just for us, but for the disciples who encountered the resurrected Jesus without recognising him. Whether blinded by the weight of grief like the travelers on the road to Emmaus, or guarded like Thomas, we see how Jesus meets us in our blurry vision.This week we combined again to host our friends from St Hilda's and Island Bay Presbyterian.Passage: Luke 24:13-32 and John 20:19-29Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Today, Easter Sunday often doesn’t begin with triumphant songs, but with the ordinary logistics of life, and for its first witnesses, it began with grief, confusion, and fear. This week we consider the provocative question: If we believe in the resurrection but live without forgiveness, are we living as if the tomb is still full? Perhaps the answer to whether the resurrection matters today isn’t found in abstract theology, but in our willingness to be shaped into a reconciled and reconciling people.Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-20Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In our final week looking at forgiveness, we consider what the goal of the whole practice is and the way that might impact what the church is about and how we engage with our neighbours.Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We continue looking at the practice of forgiveness by considering the need to forgive ourselves, and wondering about the link between this and the work of true repentance.Passage: The denial and restoration of Peter in John's GospelSpeaker: Steven Goulstone

In this second week of our Forgiveness series, we consider our responsibility to do the work of forgiveness without being able to guarantee the outcome.Passage: Matthew 18:21-35Speaker: Steven Goulstone

For four of the six weeks of Lent, we are reflecting on the practice of forgiveness. In this first week we consider the foundation for forgiveness being God's posture towards us.Passage: Psalm 103:1-14Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In our latest 'Who Are You?' slot, we hear something of Bethany's journey following Jesus.Passage: Romans 12:1-21Speaker: Bethany Miller

In 2025, a group of us read Ngāpuhi Speaks, the account of the Ngāpuhi claim through the Waitangi Tribunal. It tells the story of He Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti and the breaches of both. Some of the reading group share their reflections from what the learned.Speakers: Thea Jacobs, Roger Miller and Steven Goulstone

As we gather together for the first time, combined with our sisters and brothers from St Hilda's Anglican and Island Bay Presbyterian, we reflect on the purpose of the church that Paul states, being our participation in Christ's ministry of reconciliation.Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We reflect on the expression of love through hospitality and presence, sitting with the story of the Pharisee and woman who had been judged as a sinner. How does Jesus respond to both characters and how might that inform who we are and how we engage in our neighbourhood as a faith community going forward?Passage: Luke 7:36-50Speaker: Steven Goulstone

What does it look like to have peace in the midst of uncertainty? Our church has some big questions ahead of us that could leave us feeling a lack of peace. As our Advent journey continues, we are invited to seek God’s peace no matter the season.Passage: Colossians 3:12-17Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Trigger warning: this message deals with topics of abusefound in Whanaketia, the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in state and faith-based care.In October 2025, the Baptist Union of New Zealand issued anapology to the survivors of abuse in the care of our churches and associated ministries. We reflect on the need to be intentional going forward as a local church as the truth of the abuse has been “unveiled” and sit with the words of the apology.Passage: Daniel 9:1-16Speaker: Steven Goulstone

This week we were visited by Jeff from Barnabas Aid. Jeffshares a passionate reflection on global Christian persecution, sharing stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope as well as calling us to prayer, solidarity and action.Passage: Romans 8:18-22Speaker: Jeff Woollett

In light of recent protests and strikes, we retell the story of how Labour Day came to be and relate it to the story of Hebrew oppression in Exodus 1. What is God's posture in situations of oppression and exploitation, and how might we respond?Passage: Exodus 1:8-22; 2:23-25Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In our latest 'Who Are You?' slot, we hear Roger's story of encountering Jesus throughout his life.Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27Speaker: Roger Miller

We’re not just here to keep things running — we’re called to dream with God and participate in the building of the upside-down Kingdom. Through a story about drill bits and the wisdom of Ephesians, this message reminds us that God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, calling us to live with purpose, unity, and love.Passage: Ephesians 3:14-4:6Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We were joined by people that we at WSBC have supported in mission for many years. Rick now works with CMS and in this sermon, he shares insights from their decades in mission and his current work with the ATA, a network equipping over 70,000 Christian leaders across Asia and the Middle East. Rick explores how the cross reveals God’s powerful foolishness triumphing over the world’s foolish power. Through stories of Desmond Tutu, Dame Cicely Saunders, and the courageous Afghan church, listeners are invited to rediscover the truth that small is beautiful—and that when we take up our cross daily, even the smallest acts can carry eternal significance.Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25Speaker: Rick (CMS)

We were joined by Ben Carswell, director of Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) to share about some of the work that he and the team are doing with students through TSCF. Reflecting on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Ben invites us to consider our place in the mission of God.Passage: Luke 24:13-35Speaker: Ben Carswell

In this final week of the series, we turn to the question of God’s priorities, reflecting on the vivid biblical imagery of living water and the prophet Amos’ call to “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” We consider how justice and righteousness cannot be separated, how escapist theologies distort the mission of Christ, and how we are called to actively participate in God’s torrent of justice and hope in the world today.This series seeks to offer an alternative theological framework to dispensationalism which responds to the horrific suffering experienced by Palestinians through the inexcusable aggression of the nation-state of Israel.Passage: Amos 5:18-27; Luke 4:16-21Speaker: Steven Goulstone For further information, see ⁠this statement⁠ from many people within the Baptist Union of New Zealand.For a more detailed unpacking some of the ideas shared in the series, see ⁠Biblical Insights: The Gospel and the land of the Bible⁠.

In week three we explore the long and complex history of Palestine, the beginnings of Zionism and the implications of fixating on a narrow view of God's land, as a dispensationalist hermenutic does. Seeking to rather see the whole world as God's land in light of Christ, and the continually expansive story of God's activity in the world.This series seeks to offer an alternative theological framework to dispensationalism which responds to the horrific suffering experienced by Palestinians through the inexcusable aggression of the nation-state of Israel.Passage: John 3:4-16; Romans 4:13-17Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In week two we deep dive into how we understand who God's people are, considering some definitions to common descriptors of God's people in the Bible and concluding by reflecting on the people of God being all who believe in and follow Christ.This series seeks to offer an alternative theological framework to dispensationalism which responds to the horrific suffering experienced by Palestinians through the inexcusable aggression of the nation-state of Israel.Passage: Genesis 11:31-12:3; Galatians 3:26-29Speaker: Steven GoulstoneFor further information, see this statement from many people within the Baptist Union of New Zealand.For a more detailed unpacking some of the ideas shared in the series, see Biblical Insights: The Gospel and the land of the Bible.

In the first of a four week series, we consider the importance of reading scripture through the lens of Christ, and look at how reading it differently can lead to dire consequences.This series seeks to offer an alternative theological framework to dispensationalism which responds to the horrific suffering experienced by Palestinians through the inexcusable aggression of the nation-state of Israel.Passage: John 1:1-5; 9-14 and Hebrews 1:1-3Speaker: Steven GoulstoneFor further information, see ⁠this statement⁠ from many people within the Baptist Union of New Zealand.For a more detailed unpacking some of the ideas shared in the series, see ⁠Biblical Insights: The Gospel and the land of the Bible⁠.

The opening verses of Gospel of Mark set the scene for what is to come in Jesus’ ministry. A bold title followed by several short vignettes prepare the reader for Jesus’ ministry which follows. Our familiarity with the text and our unfamiliarity with the ancient world might cause us to miss the significance in these opening lines. But for those who will look again, the Gospel can speak a fresh word to us, and a fresh challenge.Passage: Mark 1:1-13Speaker: Jonathan Robinson (New Testament Lecturer, Carey Baptist College - preached via video for Carey Sunday)

We are visited again by Sean Marston, the NZ Director of INF (International Nepal Fellowship). Through the story of the Good Samaritan, we're invited to consider how to live out the gospel in tangible, everyday ways - meeting the needs of those who are vulnerable without expectation or agenda. Passage: Luke 10:25-37Speaker: Sean Marston (INF NZ Director)

Steven brings some reflections from his time at the BWA Congress in Brisbane in which he heard people speaking 'prophetically' into the current global context, and wonders how we as a or the church can participate in that process.Content warning: includes discussion of terror attacks and intimate partner violence.Passages: Luke 4:16-21; Micah 6:6-8Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Mānawatia a MatarikiIn the conclusion to our series reflecting on the place of Te Tiriti and the profound implcations of how it impacts who we are as people of Aotearoa, people how are part of a Baptist church, and people who follow a God whose practice of being in covenant with creation.This week we consider practical steps that we can take as Tangata Tiriti to be a part of restoring the broken covenant as we acknoweldge how we benefit from the breaking and ongoing dishonouring of Te Tiriti. How might we fulfill our call to be faithful covenant partners?Passage: Luke 19:1-9Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We continue our series on the place of Te Tiriti and how it impacts who we are as people of Aotearoa, people who are part of a Baptist church, and people who follow a God whose practice of being in covenant with creation has profound implications for us.This week we consider the need for and the importance of repentance for broken covenants, and how relevant that is for Aotearoa and the many breaches of Te Tiriti that have happend throughout the years.Passage: 2 Samuel 21:1-14Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In the lead up to Matariki, we will be reflecting on the place of Te Tiriti and how it impacts who we are as people of Aotearoa, people who are a part of a Baptist church, and people who follow a God whose practice of being in covenant with creation has profound implications for us.In this first week, we look at the importance of covenant to early Baptists, to Abraham and how the concept of covenant is an important way to look at Te Tiriti.Passage: Genesis 17:1-16Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In this latest 'Who Are You?' slot, we hear from Thea Jacobs, at the time of recording not yet elected, but now elected Elder of WSBC. Listen in to find out Who Are You? Thea Jacobs.

In the final week of the Arotahi Renew Together appeal, and in what doubles up as a conclusion to our 18-moth plus journey through the book of Acts, we consider what it will take to 'Step Into God's Call' through considering the way Paul's journey concludes.Passage: Acts 26:1-32Speaker: Raewyn Taylor

In the second week of the Arotahi Renew Together appeal, we consider the way people's hearts are changed not just through intellectual argument but through encountering the Spirit of Jesus. It is that encounter that enables people to 'Embrace God's Call'.Passage: Acts 19:1-10Speaker: Steven Goulstone

The annual Arotahi appeal, Renew Together, begins this week and we were grateful to have one of the Arotahi team join us to share. We were invited to consider what it means for us to 'Know God's Call.'Passage: Acts 17:23-34Speaker: Arotahi

In our final week considering the Easter events through the lens of subversion, we look at how the resurrected Christ encounters people on the journey and is revealed through hospitality. This week was a combined service with two of our other local churches, Island Bay Presbyterian and St Hilda's Anglican.Passage: Luke 24:13-35Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In the second week of our Easter series, we consider the subversiveness of the resurrection as we flower our cross and remember the new life that is found in Christ's resurrection.Passage: John 20:1-18Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Our three week Easter series is reflecting on the events from Palm Sunday to the Road to Emmaus through the lens of subversion. This week we consider three stories of subversive actions that brought about significant change before considering the way that Jesus entered Jerusalem subverts the expectations of everyone present.Passage: Matthew 21:1-13 Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Continuing the story of Acts into chapter 25, we consider what must be going on for those who we often consider to be the villains - the people who are accusing Paul of preaching against their traditions and how we might find it easier to relate to them than we would liek to think.Passage: Acts 25:1-12Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Continuning the story of Acts into chapter 24, we ask the question, 'At what point do we stand against manipulative leadership and indifferent politics?'Passage: Acts 24:1-15; 22-26Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We return to our journey through the book of Acts and reflect on how we can best point people to Jesus, pondering the story of Paul engaging with the religious power structures of his day.Passage: Acts 23:1-11Speaker: Steven Goulstone

On 9 March 1975, Berhampore and Island Bay Baptist churches merged to form Wellington South Baptist. On 9 March 2025, we celebrated 50 years of WSBC, featuring a number of significant people from our history sharing memories as we reflected on God's faithfulness.Passage: Psalm 89:1-17a

This week we are joined by Vince Kilpatrick, a local Baptist minister primarily involved in the Lower North Island Baptist Association, who asks the question 'Who the heck are we?' as the people of God. How would you answer that question? Listen in to Vince's answer.Passage: Exodus 19:1-6Speaker: Vince Kilpatrick

In the first of our new monthly-ish slots, we hear from one of our church Elders, who answers the question 'Who Are You'? Listen in to find out, Who Are You, Peter Noble.Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27Speaker: Peter Noble

Gay and Brian are about to head to Bangladesh with Arotahi, and so it was great to hear some of their story from Brian as we consider supporting them as a church. Hear abit about what they're planning and why they're going.

In this first sermon of our new sermon podcast, we're jumping in to our long running journey through the book of Acts. We consider the first part of chapter 22, in which Paul has to confront a large, angry crowd and the question, what is more important, being right or being humble and loving?Passage: Acts 22:1-5; 15-24Speaker: Steven Goulstone