Lent is catching on in all kind of churches these days. Of course what that means varies quite a lot. The common theme, I suppose, is getting ready for the celebration of the death of Jesus.
Celebrating Jesus’ death seems a bit strange. Death is usually something to be mourned. But Jesus’ death is a grief-removing death. It is the Great Humanity Death. It is the means by which humans can escape sin and judgment. It is the death that frees them from everlasting death.
So it is an event to be celebrated. It is what we do every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. As Paul said, “... whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor 11.26). Proclaiming his death may be a better way to say it.
If you wanted to proclaim the death of Jesus, I suppose Good Friday would be as good a day as any. On the other hand, every day would also be a good day. And if we wanted to get ready for such a proclamation, what would we need to do? What preparation would fit the bill?
{podcast id=271}
Sermon preached at Christ the King Willetton on Sunday March 4, 2012
Bible Readings: Jeremiah 23.25-34; Psalm 95; John 7.25-44
Leading a sin-free life: Step 1 is to know that we have died with Christ. How baptism points to this and how to know that we have actually died with Chris
{podcast id=131}
29 February 2012
Wednesday morning reflections on the I Am sayings of Jesus
{podcast id=130}
29 February 2012
Wednesday morning reflections on the I Am sayings of Jesus
Is it the Archbishop? Is it God? Is it the Rector? What about the Church Council and the Churchwardens? Perhaps all of the above. Even if it is possible that they might be leading off in different directions.
Or perhaps not leading anywhere. Or like the people lost in the bush, leading us so we say “We’ve passed this place before.” All churches have leaders: people who help the church go in a certain direction. These leaders don’t always have official jobs. Sometimes they have never been on a Church Council but they nevertheless exercise powerful leadership.
Some don’t even recognise that they are leaders. Others see themselves more as protectors than leaders, but the result is the same. Some lead from the rear. Others are encouragers and make the bullets that others fire.
There are two kinds of leaders.
{podcast id=270}
Sermon preached at Christ the King Willettton on Sunday 26 February 2012
Bible readings: Jeremiah 23.1-8; Psalm 93; John 6.41-58
How God solves the problem of sin and death for humans by sending another man instead of Adam to bring his abundant gift of grace that leads to righteousness and life
{podcast id=129}
Wednesday morning reflections on the I Am sayings of Jesus
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