A simple message: God gives simply and gives simplicity, based on 2 Kings 5 (for use on Epiphany 6B, Proper 1B, Proper 9C or Proper 23C). Scripture Weve just heard a great story of the Old Testament. The purpose of the story is to hear a powerful and feared man, a “godless foreigner”, say: there …
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Only Grace, Not Circumcision
Message: only grace is needed, not circumcision or any other symbols, based on Galatians 6:1-18. Introduction Thinking about circumcision made me think of the symbols we all carry around: Signet ring – bears my initials, given to me by my parents. Wedding ring – bears both our initials and wedding date (c.f. ‘lady in the …
Culture or a Relationship with God?
A sermon on culture versus God, from 1Corinthians 8:1-6 (Year B, Epiphany 4). Aim: To show the limitations of ‘culture’ as a substitute for loving God. Scripture Paul talks about Jewish food rules getting in the way of the Christians worshipping God. These rules, which were helpful for living in the desert a thousand years …
Any Questions?
Any questions? A Sermon on Revelation 1:4b-8 (Proper 29 / Ordinary 34, Year B) Introduction Asked to cover the fifth Apprentice study on ‘Questioning’. Scripture Revelation: an odd choice? John is expressing a revealed truth from a vision – surely no questions here? I love its symbols and imagery, its faith, beauty and terror. Have …
A God of Love, Who Judges?
A God of love who Judges – Sermon on John 15:1-8 (Easter 5, Year B) John 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more …
Sharing the Faith, Refining our Faith
‘Sharing the Faith, Refining our Faith’ – a sermon on Psalm 22/Mark 8:31-38 (Lent 2, Year B) Aim To show that we need to share the Good News that Jesus is the Christ – with each other and with unbelievers Introduction – Sharing ‘You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian’, ‘my …
Nothing but Jesus Christ and Him Crucified
Nothing but Jesus Christ and Him Crucified – a Sermon on Mark 8:27-38 (Year B, Proper 19). Introduction Tonight is my last preaching engagement at Zion, in the Bristol Circuit and in the UK. As you may know, we emigrate to Australia at the end of October [I originally preached this in 2012]. (When we …
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Wholehearted
Wholehearted – a sermon on Mark 6 and 2 Samuel 6 (Year B, Proper 10 / Ordinary 15). Scripture In Mark 6 and 2 Samuel 6, we have images of people joyfully worshipping God. In 2 Samuel 6, King David has the Ark, the earthly symbol of God, brought to Jerusalem. David has no problem letting …
Truth in Love
Speaking the Truth in Love – a Sermon on Mark 12:28-34 and Ruth 1:1-18 (Year B, Ordinary 31). Mark 12:28-34 Although the man is wise – Jesus thinks so – I find him smug. He says Jesus is right, but really he’s saying “we’re both right – aren’t we clever?” Jesus says he is “not far from the Kingdom …
God’s Leadership versus Human Leadership
Samuel has appointed his sons as judges, but their leadership is corrupt…a sermon on 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (Year B, Proper 7) The People/Elders A conspiracy! The Elders have plotted this, rather than listening to God, waiting on his word. The Elders don’t want to keep going with the current system – they want something new, better! …
Preacher & Veteran 