Intro: the question of the gospel? In the Gospel of today we find Jesus looking at the city of Jerusalem. He weeps over the state of the chosen city and people. He knows that in rejecting His mission, they have set themselves up to be given over to their nationalist aspirations in revolting against the Roman Empire, leading to the complete destruction of the city and the Temple. He enters the Temple to clean it symbolizing…
Make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous wealth; so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. [Lk 16:9] This morning’s parable is considered by many to be the hardest parable to understand of all Jesus’ parables. When the Church of England came up with a series of Old Testament lessons to accompany the ancient lectionary that we use, they also provided an alternative gospel parable for this morning. But…
Many of you will know, I have been blessed on November 10 with the birth of a beautiful little girl. After three boys it was extra special to see Jael come into the world – at our home – and being so lovingly received by her older brothers. It is a wonderful time. At first the house is full of restlessness and questions. When will it be born? What will it be? Will everything go…
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore put on the whole armour of God. Today is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember especially those who have died in the great wars that have afflicted the world in the last century. We remember and give thanks for the courage of so many who went daily into…
Who is Jesus? This question has fascinated people for already two thousand years. In his own time everybody in Israel felt the urge that they needed to get to grips with who this person is. And in our own day, it is not different. Everybody has an opinion. And theology of the last 50 years in particular has again focussed on what is called “the quest for the Historical Jesus”. This sermon will not explore…