This is the second in a series of five sermons for Christmas 2023 which come under the general title: “What is a Happy Christmas?” This sermon links especially to Luke 2:25-35 in the Bible. Photos by Sarah Evans and Nick
A legal problem
After a number of group attacks, an individual comes to Jesus. This scribe wants to ask which law in all 613 of the Old Testament commandments comes first and provides the core principle that unites all the others. Jesus’ answer
Plea for help
This sermon is an alternative, more devotional look at the verses, centring on the great gospel message of repentance and faith in Christ. It was preached in an evening sermon to complement the regular morning preaching as part of a
Shrinking the camel
To the dismay of his disciples, Jesus has, apparently, driven a zealous, humble and wealthy man away by asking too much of him. If they lose men like this, then there’s no hope for anyone else, including them who have
A taste of glory
Jesus previously said he’s on a hard road with a nasty death at the end of it, and anyone who sticks will him will have to cope with that. But he also said he would give some of them a
The Psalms – Introduction
This post is number 1 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash Long, long ago God decided to have a kingdom, which he would rule as a wise and good king. His
You aren’t what you eat
Jesus’ kingdom is formed from the rebirth of Israel. But some cling to the wreckage of broken, ancient Israel and so rage against him. But these men are seriously misled by their own minds. They consider themselves careful law-keepers but
Rules for life
The appearance of Jesus like the Old Testament Lord walking upon the sea was an important new stage in his work. But as the kingdom goes forward, its opponents rise up to resist it. Ancient Israel should be the seed
Striding on the sea
Jesus has dismissed any thought of an army of men, sending his twelve disciples away in their boat whilst he goes alone to pray privately. In doing so he decides it is time to make known, to his team, more
No picnic
Jesus’ work and the first apostolic mission have made a big impact. If he wants, Jesus could now form an army in the wilderness. But an army “marches on its stomach”, so the disciples tell him to send them off