Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (N.B. Pslam 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; and Matthew 5:21-37 also on 16th February 2020- Epiphany 6 Year A .) Deuteronomy 30:15-20 We’ve just heard, six verses from a longer passage. The Hebrews have escaped from Egypt, rebelled against God, wandered for forty years in the desert and now they can see the promised …
Tag Archives: preaching
Doubt and Thomas
Scripture: John 20:19-31 (N.B. Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Pslam 16; and 1 Peter 1:3-9 also this day- Easter 2 Year B.) Introduction. Labelling him ‘Doubting Thomas’ is unfair. Thomas was the one who spoke up and said that the disciples should go to Jerusalem to die with Jesus. Thomas missed Jesus because he was out while the other …
Judgement and Grace
Scripture: John 3:14-21 (N.B. Numbers 21:4-9; Pslam 104:1-3, 17-22; and Ephesians 2:1-10 also this day- Lent 4 Year B) Exegesis Verses 14-15: Christ’s salvation is like the bronze snake that saved people from their mutiny (vv14-15). Christ being lifted up refers to his crucifixion but also his glory in heaven. Verses 16-21: Verse 16a is …
Isaiah and Jesus, You and Me
Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7 (N.B. Psalm 71:1-14, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and John 12:20-36 – Tuesday Holy Week) Isaiah. God says to Isaiah, ‘you will display my splendour’. Isaiah says you must be joking, look at where I am! However, he concedes that his fate, his reward, is in God’s hand. God’s answer is astonishing – Isaiah won’t just save …
Life Changing Experiences
Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9. (N.B. Psalm 2 and 2 Peter 1:16-21 also this day – Last Epiphany A.) Introduction 1. I heard a famous preacher say “you only see my mountain top-experiences!” > True: he is famous, speaks at conferences, writes books & presents TV shows. > I read one of his books & understood; …
The Temptation to Weed
Message: The Church will always contain more than its fair share of nastiness, but weeding it out is a temptation to abandon the way of Christ and make things worse. This message is based on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Year A, Proper 11). Please note that this sermon is not advocating turning a blind eye to abuse or …
Finding Meaning in the Story of Ruth
A sermon on finding meaning in the Book of Ruth, based on Ruth 3:1-9 (Proper 27B). Introduction The Book of Ruth is story about the harvest. A fortnight ago, we heard about Naomi’s husband taking them away during difficult times: ‘the grass is always greener somewhere else’. Last week, we heard that Naomi, embittered by …
While you Wait…
Message: While we wait between chapters, we grow closer to God, a sermon based on Acts 1:6-14 & John 17:1-11 (Easter 7A). Introduction Today we begin the last week of Pascha, the fifty-day celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The fifty days ends next Sunday with the Day of Pentecost. On Thursday was Ascension Day: after walking …
Strength and Authority
A message contrasting God’s pure, unblemished strength & authority with the way humans corrupt these blessings, based on Matthew 23:1-12 (Proper 26A). Introduction After the Pharisees had finished arguing with Jesus he was able to teach the disciples/people. The key to understanding the Pharisees is that they were politicians! Many people justifiably fear human power and …
A Christian’s Duty
A sermon on a Christian’s duty, based on Romans 13:7-14 (Proper 18A). Scripture: Romans 13:7-14 ‘Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves …
Preacher & Veteran 