Sermon Notes

Title: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Joint Service with RC Church
Passage: Mark 3.31-35
Delivered: January 24th, 2012
Theme: How does the famous "six degrees of separation" theory relate to the unity of Christians and the task of evangelism?
Download

Title: Water Into Wine
Passage: John 2.1-11
Delivered: January 22nd, 2012
Theme: The other gospel writers did not record this story, but for John, perhaps after 40 years' reflection, it is a powerful sign of Jesus' glory and a call to faith.
Download

Title: What Is Baptism About?
Passage: Mark 1.4-11
Delivered: January 8th, 2012
Theme: If baptism is so important, why do Christian opinions about how, when and why to baptise differ so much? What can we learn from the baptism of Jesus?
Download

Title: A Secret Millionnaire
Passage: Galatians 4.4-7
Delivered: January 1st, 2012
Theme: We compare and contrast Jesus and TV's Secret Millionnaire.
Download

Title: Christmas Day Sermon
Passage: Isaiah 9.2-7
Delivered: December 25th, 2011
Theme: Why is the poinsettia plant also known as the Flor de Noche Buena? How do we get from the baby Jesus crib figure to the perfect world envisaged by Isaiah?
Download

Title: Be Awake! Sermon by Rev Timothy Lau
Passage: Mark 13.24-37
Delivered: November 27th, 2011
Theme: Jesus prophesies the destruction of the Jewish Temple and its replacement by a greater, more significant Temple. He urges all who listen to stay awake and see what God is doing.
Download

Title: A Prayer For Vision
Passage: Ephesians 1.15-23
Delivered: November 20th, 2011
Theme: From his prison cell, Paul writes to inspire vision and increase hope in a church which has no particular problems but is not yet fulfilling its potential. His prayers and priorities are good for us too.
Download

Title: Parable of the Ten Virgins
Passage: Matthew 25.1-13
Delivered: November 6th, 2011
Theme: The Christian life is a tricky mountain climb in changeable weather - not a sunny stroll in the park. So how prepared are you? What have you got in your rucksack?
Download

Title: The Sound of Silence
Passage: Matthew 22.34-46
Delivered: October 23rd, 2011
Theme: Two standard questions receive textbook replies and yet the tension between Jesus and his opponents escalates. What is going on in the silence?
Download

Title: Whose Image?
Passage: Matthew 22.15-22
Delivered: October 16th, 2011
Theme: Confronted with a trap question by an alliance of enemies, Jesus replied in a way which exposed not only his questioners but also the shallowness of modern society.
Download

Title: Parable of the Tenants: Sermon by Rev Theresa Lau
Passage: Matthew 21.33-46
Delivered: October 2nd, 2011
Theme: All of us are God's tenants and we have received many good things and blessings. We are called to look after them well and to respect God's ultimate ownership of everything we have.
Download

Title: Christians Need Attitude
Passage: Philippians 2.1-13
Delivered: September 25th, 2011
Theme: Paul writes a love letter from prison to the first church he planted in Europe. He warns of the dangers of division and highlights the need for Christ-like humility and concentration on the core beliefs.
Download

Title: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Passage: Matthew 20.1-16
Delivered: September 18th, 2011
Theme: A story about an eccentric employer teaches us about the grace of God and God's special concern for the vulnerable.
Download

Title: How to Read a Parable
Passage: Matthew 18.21-35
Delivered: September 11th, 2011
Theme: Why did Jesus teach in parables and how should we interpret them? What is the message of the parable of the Unforgiving Servant and how can we apply it?
Download

Title: Invisible Debtors
Passage: Romans 13.8-14
Delivered: September 4th, 2011
Theme: Paul continues to explain the centrality of love to the gospel message, using some surprising metaphors to challenge his readers.
Download

Title: Love Must Be Sincere
Passage: Romans 12.9-21
Delivered: August 28th, 2011
Theme: This passage is far more than a list of right and wrong ways to behave. Why must love be sincere and what does that mean? And what does the famous verse about pouring burning coals on your enemy's head really mean?
Download

Title: Sentenced to Dance
Passage: Romans 10.5-15
Delivered: August 7th, 2011
Theme: This passage has been the inspiration of countless missionaries down the ages. The story of a young criminal who was given a sentence to dance classes leads us into a deeper understanding of the Gospel and God's mission.
Download

Title: Feeding of the 5,000
Passage: Matthew 14.13-21
Delivered: July 31st, 2011
Theme: Why is it that Jesus sees the world's problems and resources differently? How can his followers share and respond to this new perspective?
Download

Title: Five Kingdom Parables
Passage: Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52
Delivered: July 24th, 2011
Theme: What do these five short parables teach us about God's kingdom?
Download

Title: Escape and Evacuate or Stay and Transform?
Passage: Romans 8.12-25
Delivered: July 17th, 2011
Theme: Paul teaches that God's mission is far greater than just arranging an evacuation plan from a world heading for destruction. His perspective can inspire us to live differently.
Download

Title: Parable of the Sower
Passage: Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23
Delivered: July 10th, 2011
Theme: We take a fresh look at Jesus' famous parable of the sower. How can we be good soil in which God's kingdom can grow?
Download

Title: Paul Defends His Universalism
Passage: Romans 6.12-23
Delivered: June 26th, 2011
Theme: Paul anticipates the common objection to the universalist belief he expressed so clearly in Romans 5. When we know the extent of God's grace, our response is not hedonism but loving, grateful obedience.
Download

Title: Trinity for Beginners
Passage: Matthew 28.16-20
Delivered: June 19th, 2011
Theme: What does the Trinity mean for us, in simple terms?
Download

Title: The Spirit Comes: Who, Why and How?
Passage: Acts 2.1-21
Delivered: June 12th, 2011
Theme: When God pours out his Holy Spirit on all people, it is not the special effects but the special effect which is important.
Download

Title: "Pity About the Ascension"
Passage: Luke 24.44-end, Ephesians 4.7-16
Delivered: June 5th, 2011
Theme: Would the world be a better place if Jesus had just stayed on earth forever after the resurrection? Why did the ascension take place and what are the consequences?
Download

Title: Champions
Passage: John 14.15-21
Delivered: May 29th, 2011
Theme: How can FC Barcelona's great win in the European Cup Final help us to be champions in God's winning team?
Download

Title: The Way, the Truth and the Life
Passage: John 14.1-14
Delivered: May 22nd, 2011
Theme: If Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, how can this transforming, life-enhancing potential be released in the world?
Download

Title: The Ideal Church
Passage: Acts 2.42-47
Delivered: May 15th, 2011
Theme: The early days after Pentecost were a brief golden age for the Church. What can we learn from those first Christians?
Download

Title: A Journey with Jesus
Passage: Luke 24.13-35
Delivered: May 8th, 2011
Theme: As we travel through life with Jesus and each other, what place do companionship, conversation, scripture and hospitality have?
Download

Title: The Risen Jesus and His Followers
Passage: John 20.19-31
Delivered: May 1st, 2011
Theme: When the disciples met in faith and fear, the Risen Jesus came to reassure and to equip them.
Download

Title: Maundy Thursday
Passage: John 13.1-17 and 31b-35
Delivered: April 21st, 2011
Theme: Jesus knew that the time had come and so he showed the full extent of his love. What does this say to us about the Church's task in our day?
Download

Title: A New Kind of King
Passage: Matthew 21.1-17
Delivered: April 17th, 2011
Theme: What does the Palm Sunday procession tell us about Jesus and his Kingdom? What is its significance for us and the "kingdoms" of our day?
Download

Title: Raising Hope
Passage: John 11.1-46
Delivered: April 10th, 2011
Theme: If Jesus had arrived sooner, Lazarus need not have died. What happened next was a reversal, a rehearsal and a revelation of God's glory.
Download

Title: Disability, Tsunamis and Spiritual Blindness
Passage: John 9.1-41
Delivered: April 3rd, 2011
Theme: Where is God when disaster strikes a family or a nation? Does God pull the trigger or issue warnings through natural events?
Download

Title: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
Passage: John 4.1-42
Delivered: March 27th, 2011
Theme: Why did Jesus "have to" go through Samaria, when his Sat Nav was telling him "you have to avoid" Samaria? What is the gift of living water and who is it for?
Download

Title: Nicodemus Visits Jesus
Passage: John 3.1-17
Delivered: March 20th, 2011
Theme: What was at stake in the strange conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus? How can we be born from above and what does this have to do with God's plan of salvation?
Download

Title: Transfiguration
Passage: Matthew 17.1-9
Delivered: March 6th, 2011
Theme: Is the Transfiguration just a strange interruption to the gospel story? Is our church attendance an equally strange interruption to the everyday realities of life?
Download

Title: First Go and Be Reconciled
Passage: Matthew 5.21-26
Delivered: February 13th, 2011
Theme: What might happen if we took more seriously Jesus' call to forgive and be forgiven before bringing our offering to God? What barriers to fruitful service do each of us need to dismantle, however hard this may be?
Download

Title: True Religion Is...
Passage: Isaiah 58.1-12
Delivered: February 6th, 2011
Theme: We may believe that membership of God's people comes by being born (Jews) or born again (Christians). But what happens after birth and how can we live a life that really pleases our Father?
Download

Title: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Passage: Acts 2.1-12
Delivered: January 18th, 2011
Theme: We usually read this passage at Pentecost, but how does it speak to us in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity?
Download

Title: A New Name and a New Purpose
Passage: John 1.29-42
Delivered: January 16th, 2011
Theme: When Jesus met Andrew's brother he didn't just see Simon the fisherman, he saw Peter the Rock. The story of Jesus' first followers helps us rethink what it means to be a church which is serious about following Jesus.
Download

Title: The Adoption of Jesus
Passage: Matthew 1
Delivered: December 19th, 2010
Theme: Why does Matthew start his gospel with a list of ancestors? What does it mean for us, that Jesus was adopted into this family?
Download

Title: Waiting for Jesus (Advent 1)
Passage: Romans 13.11-14
Delivered: November 28th, 2010
Theme: Advent is the season of waiting, but what kind of "waiters" should we be and what does it mean to be clothed with Christ?
Download

Title: Bible Sunday
Passage: Luke 4.16-24, Romans 15.1-6
Delivered: October 24th, 2010
Theme: What are publishers claiming when they include the word "bible" in book titles? In order for the real Bible to transform our lives and society, we first must reconcile the New Testament message of Jesus with the Old Testament image of God.
Download

Title: Pass It On!
Passage: 2 Timothy 1.1-14
Delivered: October 3rd, 2010
Theme: Facing "death row", Paul writes his final letter to his protege, Timothy. Given Paul's circumstances, his priorities and perspective are remarkable and powerful.
Download

Title: Lessons from a Banking Crisis
Passage: Luke 16.1-13
Delivered: September 19th, 2010
Theme: This difficult parable may be seen as a kind of Banking Crisis. This insight could help us to hear Jesus' teaching and apply it in our day.
Download

Title: The Lost Sheep (All Age)
Passage: Luke 15.4-7
Delivered: September 12th, 2010
Theme: What do we learn from the parable of the Lost Sheep? What about the other 99?
Download

Title: Do the Right Thing
Passage: Philemon
Delivered: September 5th, 2010
Theme: Why is such a short and personal letter even in the Bible? How should we treat people who have let us down?
Download

Title: The Magnificat, Mary's Song
Passage: Luke 1.46-55
Delivered: August 15th, 2010
Theme: A great song of faith, which expresses the heart of the Gospel. Be inspired!
Download

Title: Parable of the Rich Fool
Passage: Luke 12.13-21
Delivered: August 1st, 2010
Theme: Not just for rich fools, this parable challenges us to focus on our true desires.
Download

Title: Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Passage: Colossians 1.15-28
Delivered: July 18th, 2010
Theme: Following Spain winning the 2010 World Cup, we consider the connections between football and the Bible, looking particularly at what St Paul had to say in relation to image, victory and participation.
Download

Title: Who Will Follow Jesus?
Passage: Luke 9.51-62
Delivered: June 27th, 2010
Theme: At the turning point of Luke's gospel, Jesus poses tough questions to potential followers as well as those who refuse to follow.
Download

Title: Who Needs a Nanny?
Passage: Galatians 3.23-end
Delivered: June 20th, 2010
Theme: Opposing the legalists, Paul explains that the law of Moses was created for a nanny role. But grown-up children no longer need a nanny.
Download

Title: What's the Source?
Passage: Galatians 1.11-end
Delivered: June 6th, 2010
Theme: Paul argues passionately for the source of his gospel and his vocation. Why was it so important and what does it mean for us?
Download

Title: Trinity Sunday
Passage: Romans 5.1-5
Delivered: May 30th, 2010
Theme: Can we explain the mystery of the Trinity in everyday language? How does the key word ACCESS help us understand and participate in God's amazing grace?
Download

Title: Pentecost
Passage: Acts 2.1-21
Delivered: May 23rd, 2010
Theme: The Holy Spirit transformed the disciples in faith, hope and love, enabling them to be very fruitful. How can we open ourselves to the same transforming power?
Download

Title: Transforming the Darkness
Passage: Acts 16.16-34
Delivered: May 16th, 2010
Theme: Why did Paul and Silas stay in prison when they were free to go? What might happen in Barcelona if we had their patience, flexibility and vision?
Download

Title: On the Emmaus Road: Sermon by Ann Morisy
Passage: Luke 24.13-35
Delivered: May 9th, 2010
Theme: Emmaus may be a village, but it is also a state of mind where hope has gone. It is in our most troubled times that we find Jesus walking alongside us.
Download

Title: Love One Another: Sermon by Bishop David Hamid
Passage: John 13.31-35
Delivered: May 2nd, 2010
Theme: Christianity is seen by some as a negative religion of "thou shalt nots", but at its heart is the positive commandment to love one another.
Download

Title: Joining in Our Father's Work
Passage: Revelation 7.9-17
Delivered: April 25th, 2010
Theme: What a thrill to be given a peek inside our Father's workshop to see the masterpiece He is working on. How much greater the thrill when we realise His work is our work too.
Download

Title: Fishing in the Dark?
Passage: John 21.1-19
Delivered: April 18th, 2010
Theme: How can we get beyond "fishing in the dark" and become effective followers of Jesus, harnessing the power of the resurrection?
Download

Title: Peace, Purpose, Pattern and Power
Passage: John 20.19-31
Delivered: April 11th, 2010
Theme: Jesus doesn't just talk about peace, he gives peace. More than "sunlounger and cocktails" peace, he gives his followers a purpose, a pattern and a promise of power.
Download

Title: Easter Morning Sermon
Passage: Luke 23.55-24.12
Delivered: April 4th, 2010
Theme: Why do Christians insist on believing in the resurrection? How can we be sure it happened and why is it so important?
Download

Title: Palm Sunday
Passage: Luke 19.28-40
Delivered: March 28th, 2010
Theme: What point was Jesus making in his carefully staged arrival in Jerusalem? What was his challenge to the political and religious leaders of his day?
Download

Title: Wasting Perfume
Passage: John 12.1-8
Delivered: March 21st, 2010
Theme: Why did Mary pour perfume on Jesus' feet and why did this upset Judas? Is our worship wholehearted or are we holding back?
Download

Title: Thirsty? Hungry?
Passage: Isaiah 55.1-9
Delivered: March 7th, 2010
Theme: It is hard to notice our spiritual hunger and thirst when our lives are full of other stuff. What's the answer?
Download

Title: The War of Grace Against Evil
Passage: Luke 13.31-35
Delivered: February 28th, 2010
Theme: How important is it to see the whole of Christ's life, as well as his death, as a war against evil? How does this affect our attitude to the evil around us?
Download

Title: The Testing of Christ
Passage: Luke 4.1-13
Delivered: February 21st, 2010
Theme: Even the Spirit-filled, anointed Son of God needed testing, and so do we. How do his wilderness tests relate to us?
Download

Title: The Transfiguration - All Age Sermon
Passage: Luke 9.28-36
Delivered: February 14th, 2010
Theme: We can’t stay on the mountain top if we are to witness effectively. It is good for us to enjoy the bright light of Jesus, but then we have to take that light out into the world.
Download

Title: Stormy Waters
Passage: Luke 8.22-25
Delivered: February 7th, 2010
Theme: What did the disciples of Jesus learn from their stormy crossing? What about the storms we face?
Download

Title: Love Is...
Passage: 1 Corinthians 13
Delivered: January 31st, 2010
Theme: Talking about Christian love is not enough; we need to put it into action. Sermon delivered by Billie Tweedy.
Download

Title: A Few Grains for Christian Unity
Passage: Mark 2.23-end
Delivered: January 24th, 2010
Theme: A simple meal challenges religious legalists and anticipates the coming feast.
Download

Title: Changing Water Into Wine
Passage: John 2.1-11
Delivered: January 17th, 2010
Theme: An ordinary man’s dilemma is solved by the presence of the only one who could save the day. Likewise, when the crisis comes in our lives, we may not be able to turn water into wine, but we do know someone who can.
Download

Title: The Baptism of Jesus
Passage: Luke 3.15-22
Delivered: January 10th, 2010
Theme: Why did Jesus need to be baptized? In what ways is his baptism a model for ours?
Download

Title: Epiphany - The Two Kings
Passage: Matthew 2.1-16
Delivered: January 3rd, 2010
Theme: Two kings and two kinds of seeker point the way to a new relationship with God, a relationship which is available to all.
Download

Title: Jesus Growing Up
Passage: Luke 2.41-52
Delivered: December 27th, 2009
Theme: This first Sunday of Christmas we fast forward 12 years to a revealing incident from the childhood of Jesus. As we prepare to begin a new year, we can learn from the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Download

Title: Christmas Message 2009
Passage: Luke 2.1-14
Delivered: December 25th, 2009
Theme: Luke gives us the big picture and great attention to detail. What can we learn from him?
Download

Title: How Deep Is Our Hope? (Advent 4)
Passage: Micah 5.2-5a
Delivered: December 20th, 2009
Theme: Another prophet looks beyond the chaos and despair of exile to a future time of restoration and renewal. The focus, width and depth of Micah's advent hope are as challenging for today's Christians as they were for his Jewish contemporaries.
Download

Title: The Reason to Be Merry (Advent 3)
Passage: Philippians 4.4-9
Delivered: December 13th, 2009
Theme: What do we have to rejoice about in the busy run-up to Christmas? What does the nearness of the Lord mean for us and for others? How can we reflect the heart of God?
Download

Title: Appearances Can Deceive (Advent 2)
Passage: Malachi 3.1-4, Luke 3.2-20
Delivered: December 6th, 2009
Theme: A deep inner change is necessary if people are to live lives that please God, and God will come in person to bring about this change.
Download

Title: Meet the Prophet of Doom (Advent 1)
Passage: Jeremiah 33.10-16
Delivered: November 29th, 2009
Theme: What can we learn from the "doom and gloom" prophet Jeremiah to bless, heal and restore others, and express joy, hope and confidence in the future?
Download

Title: Christ the King
Passage: John 18.33-39
Delivered: November 22nd, 2009
Theme: Unlike earthly kings, Christ's coronation did not take place on a throne, but on a cross, and his justice is expressed not in punishment but in mercy.
Download

Title: Birth Pain
Passage: Mark 13.1-8
Delivered: November 15th, 2009
Theme: What if our pain and the pain of the world are not futile but more like birth pain, inevitably leading to joy and new life?
Download

Title: Remembrance Day Talk
Passage: various
Delivered: November 8th, 2009
Theme: The symbolism of the poppy reminds us that with the help of God, we can remake the world more like it is supposed to be.
Download

Title: Anxiety Is Out for Christians!
Passage: Matthew 6.25-33
Delivered: October 25th, 2009
Theme: Jesus tells his followers not to be anxious. Easier said than done! Yet as we learn to leave our fears in God's hands through prayer, we will experience peace - not through our own strength, but through the reassurance of the Holy Spirit living in us.
Download

Title: The Rich Young Man
Passage: Mark 10.17-31
Delivered: October 11th, 2009
Theme: How do we react when God asks us to give up something? Possessions were this man's barrier to following Jesus. What barriers do you have?
Download

Title: Genesis, the Book of First Principles
Passage: Genesis 2.18-24
Delivered: October 4th, 2009
Theme: We may not all agree on the historicity of the Creation account. More important is to extract the principles and apply them.
Download