God Is Prepared For Our Mess Ups

Scripture: Mark 1:9-15 and 1 Peter 3:18-22 (N.B. Genesis 9:8-17; and Psalm 25: 1-10 – Lent 1 Year B) Introduction and Summary John the Baptist, baptises Jesus; God and the Holy Spirit appear; Jesus then goes out into the wilderness to be tempted. John is imprisoned, Jesus begins his ministry and we hear his message: …

Everything I Have Is In Christ

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; and Matthew 21:33-46 (N.B. Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80: 7-15; and Philippians 3:4b-14 – Proper 22 Year A) Context.   Today’s scripture is: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20); Praise for how God has made Himself gloriously known in nature, in the word and in history (Psalm 19); and Jesus gives …

And Now for Something Completely Different

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 (N.B. Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Jonah 3:10 – 4:11; Psalm 145: 1-8; and Philippians 1:21-30- Proper 20 Year A) Introduction.   We’ve heard ‘The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard’.  In Matthew’s Gospel it comes right after Jesus meeting the rich young man, and just before Jesus reminding his followers that he …

Prepare the Way for the Lord

Scripture: (John the Baptist) “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” (Luke 3:4b). (N.B. Baruch 5:1-9; Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; and Luke 3:1-6 – also on the Second Sunday of Advent Year C). Aim: To explore what does means for us, today? 1. Intro Hark back to children’s address, it’s …

What It Means To Trust God

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16, (17-24); Psalm 146; Galatians 1:11-24; and Luke 7:11-17 (N.B. Psalm 30 -also on Year C Proper 5) Aim:  To explore what it means to trust God. All four readings today are about trusting God.  In the OT God asks Elijah to hide from his enemies in the heart of their land, and asks …

Balancing the Demands of Our Faith and the World

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35 and Philippians 3:17-4:1 (N.B. Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; and Psalm 27 – also on Second Sunday of Lent Year C). Aim: To look at the demands of our faith and the world – is there a balance? (VARK!) Introduction.   We could look at the Bible readings for today simply as ‘us versus the …

The Story, the True Story

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 and 2 Samuel 7:1-11, and v16 (N.B. Luke 1:46b-55; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; and Romans 16:25-27- also on Year B Advent 4) Scripture: David & Mary’s Relationship with God David’s intentions appear good, but God’s reaction suggests the King has got it wrong. David has underestimated God, despite knowing Him better than anyone …

Leadership in the Kingdom of God, 2.0

Scripture: Judges 4:1-7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (N.B. Psalm 123; Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-8, [9-11], 12; and Matthew 25:14-30 – also on Year A Proper 28/Ordinary 33) Introduction Topical to think about who can lead in the Kingdom, (I don’t do topical, I do Biblical, but it’s the scripture for today). Judges 4:1-7:  Deborah …

God’s Judgement on Those Who Forget His Commandment

Scripture: Ezekiel 21 We’ve just heard from Ezekiel in about 590BC, prophesying that Babylon would destroy Judah and Jerusalem – all that was left of the 12 tribes of Israel.  It’s easy to think of such apocalyptic OT writings as a bit literary and not literal, but before Ezekiel was a refugee and prophet, he was …

Christian Leadership

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (N.B. Joshua 3:7-17; Pslam 107:1-7, 33-37; Micah 3:5-12; and Pslam 43 – also on this day) Jesus words on Leadership Jesus acknowledges that the Pharisees have authority but says not to follow their example. He lambasts them for 4 crimes. First, they failed to practice what they preached. …

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