Luke 14: 1 – 24. A number of themes interweave through this passage but the most obvious is Jesus’ concern for the needy and vulnerable. The kingdom of God is good news for those who are side-lined, put down or ignored by those with power. How can we be bearers of hope for ‘the poor, […]
Luke 9:18-36. Peter has seen enough to be convinced that Jesus is Messiah, the Christ – even if he still can’t grasp why the Lord’s mission will involve suffering. His personal witness in verse 20 is magnified when he, together with James and John, sees Jesus glorified. Peter’s confession and the ‘Transfiguration’ are defining moments […]
Luke 4:31 to Luke 5:11 Teaching with integrity / authority, releasing people from evil powers, healing the sick, calling others to follow and imitate Him … these signs of hope are how Jesus proclaimed the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news of the kingdom of God and that Jesus Christ is Lord. We easily […]
Luke 4: 14 – 30. Jesus emerges from the desert experience ‘in the power of the Spirit’ with a clear sense of purpose. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Nazareth Manifesto’, He applies Isaiah’s hope-filled words of future promise to the here and now! Jesus’ hearers couldn’t accept this local boy’s claim and were deeply offended when […]
Luke 2: 39 – 52. On this Covenant Sunday we are looking at part of Jesus’ life that’s often overlooked – growing up. That He was a remarkable child is clear but we mustn’t forget He was also a real boy. Can we imagine Jesus playing with His friends in Nazareth and learning to wield […]
John 1: 4-5 and 14. Carols by Candlelight Service.
John 1:1-18; Luke 1:5-25, 57-80. As Advent begins we’ll reflect on the hopes and aspirations of those who were looking for the coming of Messiah. Zechariah couldn’t take in the promise given to him and Elizabeth. Many didn’t recognise John the Baptist as a prophet or indeed the One for whom he prepared the way. […]
Psalm 24:1; Matthew 6:24-34; John 3:16; Acts 2:42-47: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; James 2:14-17 Jesus often reminded His disciples of God’s generous provision – e.g. Mt. 10:8. In Acts 20:35 Paul quotes a saying of Jesus not found in the Gospels: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Writing to Corinth he encourages generosity […]
Psalm 23; Luke 24:28-35; John 6:25-58; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. This series doesn’t look specifically at worship and prayer. These things (should) run through everything we seek to be and do as a church. However, the Lord’s Supper/ Communion is the central act of worship and we focus on it today as we share bread and […]
Ps. 78:1-4; Mt. 3:13-17; Mk. 10:13-16; Acts 2:38-42; Gal. 3:26-29 In the New Testament it was through baptism that disciples pledged allegiance to Jesus as Lord. Baptism identifies us with His life, death and resurrection. It’s a sign of being washed clean and stepping into the life of the Spirit as a follower of Christ. […]