Scripture: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, and Song of Solomon 2:8-13 (N.B. Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15; and James 1:17-27 -also on Year B Proper 17) Introduction Today we have heard from Jesus of our need to be pious: ‘1. having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest …
Tag Archives: preaching
Selling The Faith
Scripture: Luke 12:49-56 and Hebrews 11:29-12:2 (N.B. Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19; Jeremiah 23:23-29; and Psalm 82- also on Year C Proper 15) Aim: To ‘sell’ faith in Christ we need to tell the whole truth about the God of love and judgement. 1. Recently we’ve been hearing about the stock market jitters – why? “In the …
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 …
Freedom, Power and Truth
Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 and Philippians 2:5-11 (N.B Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; and Luke 22:14-23:56- also on Year C Liturgy of Psalms/Liturgy of Passion) Aim: Contrast Jesus’ attitude to freedom, power and truth with ours (c.f. Abolition 200). 1. In Luke 19:28-40 Jesus commits himself to taking the blame and guilt of others and …
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 …
Continue reading “Balancing the Demands of Our Faith and the World”
Cleansing the Temple
Scripture: John 2:13-22 (N.B. Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25- also on Year B Lent 3) Aim: To preach the message John intended by putting this passage at the start of his gospel. 1. This Scripture Poses Questions (e.g. Is it ever acceptable to use violence?) Why is this passage here? Matthew, Luke and …
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 …
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting … or ‘Here We Go Again!’
Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 (N.B. Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; and 2 Peter 3:8-15a- also on Year B Advent 2) It’s Advent – Christmas is coming: again! Liz does the preparations – cards, presents, annual message to the Nation, food shopping, visit whose parents at Christmas and New Year? Parties at work, concerts at school, visiting …
Continue reading “Waiting, Waiting, Waiting … or ‘Here We Go Again!’”
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 …
Remembrance for the Future
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 and Matthew 25:1-13 (N.B. Joshua 24:1-3a; Psalm 78:1-7; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16; Amos 5:18-24; Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20; and Psalm 70 – also on Year A Ordinary 32/Proper 27) Scripture Thessalonians: Probably Paul’s earliest letter, Sent in haste to deal with a specific issue. Paul is eager to help and …