Simon of Cyrene makes only a brief appearance in the Passion narrative - he is the one who is forced to carry the cross of Jesus to the site of execution when Jesus is unable to do so, weakened as he is from the beating he has endured at the hands of the soldiers. We … Continue reading Simon of Cyrene – Carrying the cross
Tag: Faith
A mini-devotional for Holy Week and Easter
Here are 28 daily readings and reflections for Holy Week and Easter. If you wish you could use this as a short devotional during this season. Day 1 – Palm Sunday When Jesus came near the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the … Continue reading A mini-devotional for Holy Week and Easter
When the rains come down and the floods come up … (sermon based on Matthew 7:24-29)
Well, we’ve come to the end of our journey through the Sermon of the Mount and we conclude with perhaps the most famous bit of all. 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the … Continue reading When the rains come down and the floods come up … (sermon based on Matthew 7:24-29)
A painful privilege
Last week, I led the thanksgiving service for a lovely young woman who died of cancer. She was a friend who’d asked me to take her funeral. I hoped I’d never have to, that God would heal and bring deliverance. He has, of course, in his own way, for she knew she was going home. … Continue reading A painful privilege
Weekly Update – This is my story (20th January 2022)
At the beginning of this week I had the privilege of being interviewed on UCB 2 Radio by Ruth O'Reilly-Smith, who has a daily programme, "This is my story", which is described as a a show about sharing stories of how God’s amazing love has changed lives forever. In the description of my interview, it says, … Continue reading Weekly Update – This is my story (20th January 2022)
Immeasurably More
This is the sermon I preached today, based on Ephesians 3:14-21 It’s holiday season and some of us will be heading to the coast. Nearly all of us have. When we stand on the shore, there’s so much more out there. And sometimes you can stand on the shore, and if you look left, all … Continue reading Immeasurably More
This week’s update
As you may know, I've been writing a mini-blog each week for our church news sheet. Beginning this week, the aim is to publish these online too. This is the latest edition, hot off the press! Happy new year! Have you made any new year’s resolutions? Are any still intact? If not, don’t worry, there’s always next … Continue reading This week’s update
People of Truth and Grace
This is the text of the sermon I preached this morning, reflecting on Paul's courage to speak the truth in Acts 13:1-12. Life was good for Jonathan Aitken. He was a high-profile, successful politician, destined for greater glory as a future leader of the Conservatives and therefore possible Prime Minister. Then, in 1995 Jonathan Aitken found … Continue reading People of Truth and Grace
Be strong and courageous
Just over 32 years ago, I was given the name Andrew. It means "strong, courageous, manly." I remember being in secondary school assembly one day when the local Christian worker was talking about the meaning of names, and he mentioned the meaning of my name. There was a titter that went around those sitting near … Continue reading Be strong and courageous
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