Sermons

Life gets tough, and even the strongest believers can feel alone. But God never intended us to face life's battles by ourselves. Through Christian community, we find encouragement, prayer and support when we need it most. ❤️ You don't have to walk through it alone. #NeverGiveUp #ChristianCommunity #FaithOverFear #YouAreNotAlone #ChurchFamily

Series: Living by Faith while Longing for Christ – Sermon 3/8 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 25 October 2026

What makes a good pastor? Through Paul's example, we discover the heart of genuine pastoral ministry: faithfulness to God's Word, love that nurtures others, and care that encourages people to grow in their walk with Christ. A reflection on what it means to shepherd God's people with a faithful and loving heart. #WattleParkChapel #PastoralMinistry #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #Discipleship

Series: Living by Faith while Longing for Christ – Sermon 2/8 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 18 October 2026

What does it mean to live as God's chosen people? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 1, we explore how genuine faith changes our lives, producing faith, hope and love that others can see. We are not saved by faith plus works; we are saved by a faith that works. #LivingAsElectPeople #FaithThatWorks #1Thessalonians #ChristianLiving #FaithHopeAndLove

Series: Living by Faith while Longing for Christ – Sermon 1/8 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 11 October 2026

Our hearts can so easily drift from God. Hebrews warns us that even those who have received God’s grace can be tempted to return to old ways and pursue the idols of this world. John Calvin famously described the human heart as an “idol factory.” What are the idols competing for our hearts today—and what helps us keep seeking God’s kingdom first? #HeartIdols #SeekGodFirst #Hebrews #ChristianLife #FollowingJesus

Series: An Anchor for the Soul – Sermon 17/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 4 October 2026

What’s the point of studying theology? If all we do is gain more information about God, we may be missing the point. Theology is meant to move from knowing who Jesus is to living differently because of who He is. The work of Jesus reorders our worship. Watch the full message to explore why knowing God should lead to a changed life. https://youtu.be/Qyo2cNZHtyo?si=X2hC207HNVSYA2Ps #Theology #JesusChrist #ChristianLife #FaithInAction #WattleParkChapel

Series: An anchor for the soul – Sermon 16/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 27 September 2026

The world around us can feel uncertain, unstable and constantly changing. But for those who follow Jesus, there is a kingdom that cannot be shaken. It is solid. It is firm. And it will last forever. So when everything around you feels like it is falling apart, remember: God's kingdom is still standing. “I know that your kingdom is coming. I know that it’s unstoppable. I know that it’s invincible, and I know that what you have begun, you will finish.” #UnshakableKingdom #KingdomOfGod #FaithInJesus #ChristianHope #TrustGod

260920 – Series: An Anchor for my Soul – Sermon 15/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 20 September 2026

The Christian life is not a sprint. It’s a race that requires endurance. Holiness takes commitment. Trials will come, sin will try to trip us up, and there will be seasons when we feel like giving up. But we keep running by keeping our eyes on Jesus—the One who endured the cross and continues to lead us forward. Keep going. Keep growing. Keep your eyes on Jesus. #RunWithEndurance #keepyoureyesonjesus #PursueHoliness #christianlife #faiththatendures

260913 – Series: An Anchor for the Soul – Sermon 14/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 13 September 2026

Feeling like your faith is fragile or beginning to drift? Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses and invited to keep our eyes on Jesus—the champion and perfecter of our faith. God is faithful, and his promises will be fulfilled. #Faith #Jesus #Hebrews12 #ChristianSermon #TrustGod

Series: An Anchor for the Soul – Sermon 13/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 6 September 2026

Is our God an angry God? Hebrews 10 contains some confronting words about God’s judgment. But what happens when we take those verses out of context? This message explores what the Bible really means by “deliberate sin” — and reminds us that God’s warning is not the whole story. There is also repentance, grace, forgiveness and hope. Sometimes, understanding the context changes everything. #IsOurGodAnAngryGod #Hebrews10 #GodsGrace #BiblicalTruth #FaithInJesus

260830 – Series: An Anchor for the Soul – Sermon 12/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 30 August 2026

He had nowhere to go—until a Christian opened his home and said, “Come live with me.” For Mez McConnell, that simple act of Christian love became the beginning of a new chapter—and ultimately, a life devoted to serving Jesus and reaching others. Sometimes, God changes a life through something as simple as showing up, opening our homes, and welcoming someone into community. A New Community. #ANewCommunity #ChristianCommunity #FaithInAction #JesusChangesLives #WattleParkChapel

Series: An Anchor for the Soul – Sermon 11/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 23 August 2026

Series: An anchor for the Soul – Sermon 10/17 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 16 August, 2026

The Couriers – Trust in Jesus – Romans 5:1-2 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 9 August 2026

260802 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 10/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 2 August 2026

260726 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 9/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 26 July 2026

God doesn’t only use famous, talented, or powerful people. He uses ordinary people who are willing to trust Him. Gideon was simply a farmer, hiding his grain from the Midianites. He wasn’t looking for greatness, and he never imagined that God would choose him to lead Israel. Yet God saw something different in Gideon. Through Gideon’s story, we are reminded that our value does not come from our achievements, abilities, or status. God can take ordinary lives and use them for His extraordinary purposes. As the Bible says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” (1 Peter 2:9) You don’t have to be somebody special to do something special. You only need to be willing to let God work through you. 📖 Read Gideon’s story in Judges 6. #GodUsesOrdinaryPeople #StoryOfGideon #FaithInAction #BibleReflection #WalkingWithGod

260719 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 8/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 19 July 2026

Have you ever wondered why the Book of Esther never mentions God's name? Yet, when you read the story, His hand is everywhere. In this message, we discover how God's sovereignty gives us confidence that our lives are not ruled by chance. Even when God seems hidden, He is faithfully at work, guiding every step according to His perfect purpose. 📖 Scripture: Esther If this message encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe to follow more Bible studies from the "In the Word" series. #BookOfEsther #GodsSovereignty #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #InTheWord

260712 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 7/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 12 July 2026

Rahab seemed to have everything against her. She was an outsider, living under judgment, and rejected by society. Yet God saw someone the world overlooked. In this message from Joshua 2, discover how God’s unexpected grace transformed Rahab’s life and why her story still brings hope today. If God could extend His grace to Rahab, He can extend it to anyone. “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” — Titus 2:11 If this message encouraged you, please Like, Share, and Subscribe to support the ministry of Wattle Park Chapel. #GodsGrace #Rahab #BibleTeaching #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist

260705 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 6/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 5 July 2026

God often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. In this message from the life of Deborah (Judges 4–5), we discover that God doesn’t choose people based on status, strength, or position. He looks at the heart. Like the humble honey bee, Deborah reminds us that a life of faith, courage, and obedience can make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom. May this message encourage you to trust God’s calling and faithfully serve Him wherever He has placed you. 📖 Judges 4–5 #FaithInAction #BookOfJudges #Deborah #ChristianLiving #WattleParkChapel

260628 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 5/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 28 June 2026

Moses gave up a life of comfort in Pharaoh’s palace to help God’s people. Even when people rejected him, he kept loving, serving, and trusting God. His story reminds us of Jesus, who came to serve and stayed faithful to the end. Watch the full sermon by clicking the End Screen. Full sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdg8GHPn0j8 #JesusLovesYou #HopeInJesus #GraceForTheBroken #ChristianEncouragement #FaithAndHope #WattleParkChapel

260621 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 4/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 21 June 2026

One decision can change the course of a life, a family, a team, or even a nation. When Rehoboam became king, he was given wise advice that could have united his people and strengthened his kingdom. Instead, he chose pride over humility—and the consequences were devastating. What can we learn from his story today? From the message: “Rehoboam: A Selfish Man” #LessonsFromRehoboam #ChristianShorts #BibleWisdom #LeadershipLessons #WattleParkChapel

Sometimes we’re so focused on what’s happening around us that we miss what’s right in front of us. In this memorable story from the life of Charles Lindbergh’s family, we discover a lesson that connects directly to the story of Rehoboam: what we focus on can shape the direction of our lives. From the message: “Rehoboam: A Selfish Man” Part 1 of our “Rehoboam, A Selfish Man” series. #LessonsFromRehoboam #Rehoboam #ChristianShorts #BibleTeaching #WattleParkChapel

260614 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 3/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 14 June 2026

Imagine God asking you, "What would you like me to give you?" Most of us would probably have a long list ready. But when God asked King Solomon, his answer was surprising. In this short message, discover why Solomon asked for wisdom and how his choice can help us make better decisions in our own lives. #ChristianFaith #Wisdom #BibleTeaching #FaithInGod #WattleParkChapel

260607 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 2/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 7 June 2026

Why did so many people choose to follow David, even when he was a fugitive hiding in the wilderness? In this message from 1 Chronicles 12, we explore three qualities that inspired extraordinary loyalty: trustworthiness, vision, and responsibility. David was far from perfect, yet his life points us to the kind of character that earns trust, unites people around a greater purpose, and reflects the heart of God. What might these same qualities look like in our lives today as we seek to follow Christ? #WattleParkChapel #christianfaith #bibleteaching #followjesus #david

260531 – Series: Old Testament Heroes – Sermon 1/10 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 31 May 2026

Sin breaks and separates, but God’s covenant restores and brings us back to Him. Through Jesus Christ, the New Covenant offers complete forgiveness, eternal salvation, and a transformed heart through the Holy Spirit. Unlike the old system of repeated sacrifices, Jesus became the final and perfect sacrifice once and for all. This message from Hebrews 7:11–8:13 reminds us that God’s grace is greater than our failures, and His desire has always been to dwell with His people.

240524 – Series: An anchor for the soul – Sermon 9/15 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 24 May 2026

260517 – Series: An anchor for the soul – Sermon 8/15 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 17 May 2026 In Genesis, people are usually introduced with details about their family, background, or history. But with this man, the text is strangely silent. #wattleparkchapel #melbournechurch #boxhillsouth #christiansermon

260517 – Series: An anchor for the soul – Sermon 8/15 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 17 May 2026

Feeling like life is a bit of a stormy sea? 🌊 🚢In the book of Hebrews, we’re told that we have an "anchor for the soul." When things get scary, lonely, or just plain messy, this anchor keeps us from drifting away.Here’s why it’s the best anchor ever:⚓ It’s Unbreakable – Unlike human promises, God never breaks His word.⚓ It’s "For Sure" – This isn’t a "maybe" hope; it’s a "definitely" hope!⚓ Jesus is Leading – He’s already paved the way so we can stay steady.No matter how big the waves get, your anchor holds tight. Don't drift—hold on to hope! #faithjourney #hope #biblestories #AnchorForTheSoul #staysteady

260510 – Series: An Anchor for the soul! – Sermon 7/15 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 10 May 2026

This passage says: it’s time to grow up in faith. Don’t stay like babies who only learn the basics – keep learning and living what God teaches. Help others grow too. There’s a warning: some people get close to God but then turn away, which is very serious. So check your heart and stay strong in faith. But there’s also comfort: God sees your love and good actions. Keep going, keep loving others, and don’t give up – because something better is waiting ahead. #GrowInFaith #KeepGoing #FaithJourney #StayStrong #LoveAndServe #WattleParkChapel #BoxHillSouth #ChurchInMelbourne

260503 – Series: An anchor for the soul – Sermon 6/15 – Richard Coombs at Wattle Park Chapel, 3 May 2026

Have you ever wondered why some people face hardships with confidence and boldness while others feel plagued by doubts and fear? Perhaps one reason for uncertainty is an inadequate view of who Jesus is. We know He’s our Lord and Saviour, but how many of us know Him as our Great High Priest? Hebrews 4:15 tells us, This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Jesus enters into our life and experiences our suffering, pain, and guilt right along with us. Have you ever been misunderstood when you did your best? Consider this: Was anybody more misunderstood than Jesus? He was personally acquainted with that kind of pain. Has somebody you loved ever said no, shut the door, and walked away? Jesus experienced this, too. His own people scorned Him. And does Jesus, the sinless One, understand our feelings of regret and shame? The Bible tells us that the Father laid all the sins of the world on Him. Jesus Christ bore the guilt of all mankind. No matter what you are facing, realise that the Saviour identifies with your circumstance, feels every single thing you’re experiencing, and will walk by your side.