Sermons from 2024 (Page 3)
Light of the World
Jesus says “I am the light of the world”. This short, simple statement contains an incredibly deep and profound truth, that, if we understand and embrace it, changes not only how we see him, but how we live in the light of his truth. We lay a foundation that will help us understand an apply this truth, and make sense of everything else that comes next in this chapter.
(Mis)Quoting Scripture? John 7:38 and the Case of the Missing Cross Reference.
This morning’s reflection focuses on John 7:37-39 and the importance of “Systematic Theology” and “Practical Theology” in Christian life. It highlights how Jesus combines various scriptures to reveal deeper truths, urging believers to understand and love the scripture deeply to do likewise.
A Subtle Shift
What does Jesus mean when he calls himself the Bread of Life? We continue our journey in John’s gospel looking at John 6:25-51 and the way Jesus unpacks his previous miracle, when he fed the 5000. We explore the subtle shifts in understanding that he seeks to impart to the Jews — and us — that will make sense of these words.
Feeding the 5000
We continue to journey through John’s Gospel, looking at John 6:1-15, one of the most familiar miracles, the only one mentioned in all four Gospels, Jesus feeding the 5000. We explore the meaning of this miracle, considering all of the implications for this powerful demonstration of Jesus’ divine power, and the deeper truth he was setting the people up to…
The Deepest Healing
We look at John 5, Jesus first “in person” healing in Jerusalem, at the pool of Bethesda. We ponder Jesus decision to single out just one of the “multitude”, his comment to the man to sin no more “in order that nothing worse may happen” and the importance for telling him to “take up his mat”. We wonder if there is something…
Believing Without Seeing
We continue our journey through John’s Gospel, exploring the second sign Jesus performs in Galilee, demonstrating his divinity, and messianic identity. We think about why Jesus criticises the people of Galilee for not believing without a sign, and explore the nature or faith — placing trust in Jesus and taking him at his word, even when we don’t see it.
Never Thirsty Again
We move on to our next section of John’s gospel, looking at John 4, and Jesus’ decision to stop at Jacob’s Well in Samaria, and the woman he meets there. We explore this incredible, unusual interraction, and look at what we can learn as His people, about what it means to us, and to others, to have a message that will leave us “never thirsty again”.
John 3:16 — What is Love?
We continue our journey through the Gospel of John, looking at probably the most well known scripture in all of scripture — John 3:16, and the verses that surround it. We look at this well known verse — which has been shared and searched probably more than any other — and ask is there something more than meets the eye here. We assume it speaks of the…
What do you mean “Born Again”?
We continue studying the Gospel of John thinking about Jesus first encounter with the Pharisee Nicodemus. We look at the familiar, yet perhaps confusing, phrase “Born Again” and ask the question, what, precisely, did Jesus mean by that? If Jesus tells us that no-one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again, then it is essential we get our understanding of this…
Easter Sunday 2024 — The Titulus: Debt, Nailed to the Cross
This easter Sunday, we celebrate and remember the cross and ressurection of Christ. We focus on the meaning and value of the cross, a sign that “the record of debt which once stood against us” has been nailed to the cross, and, for those who are in Christ, we will no longer be held to account for…