by Brian | Oct 20, 2021 | Posts
John 1:6-8, 19-28A. INTRODUCTION1. The Importance of Identify There are a number of ways we can identify people today. We can identify people through their colour, their race, their political beliefs, and their religion. We can identify people by their jobs, by their...
by Brian | Oct 13, 2021 | Posts
John 1:1-5A. INTRODUCTION1. Once Upon a Time…I remember my first introduction to television well. It was the 1950s, and I was sitting at home on the couch (with the measles). And the very first programme that I saw was ‘The Picture Book’ from the BBC series ‘Watch...
by Brian | Oct 6, 2021 | Posts
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24A. INTRODUCTION1. A Modern PerspectiveIn life, some things are good, and some things are bad. There are good (positive) things that happen—things that help and encourage and build up. And there are bad (negative) things that happen—things that...
by Brian | Sep 30, 2021 | Posts
Second EditionsAs someone who believes that no matter how much work is put into a project, it can always be improved, my principal task this year has been to work on revised editions of:The Promised Land (A Twenty-First-Century Bible, Part 1) andA Day in the Life of a...
by Brian | Sep 22, 2021 | Posts
Jeremiah 18:1-12A. INTRODUCTION1. Looking for GuidanceMany people struggle with their spiritual lives.On the one hand, some try to read the bible—but quickly find that it isn’t an easy a book to read—and in no time become discouraged and give up. Some try to set time...
by Brian | Sep 17, 2021 | Posts
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19A. INTRODUCTIONI want you to imagine that you’ve been asked to give a speech—one that entails speaking out at the local council meeting about something that you know is wrong. It could be a matter of mismanagement, mistreatment of the elderly or...
by Brian | Sep 9, 2021 | Posts
Isaiah 43:18-25A. INTRODUCTION1. UsWe all go through periods of not feeling good about ourselves. Indeed, things go wrong for one reason or another. And sometimes we only have only ourselves to blame. And other times . . . well it can seem that somebody has got it in...
by Brian | Sep 3, 2021 | Posts
Isaiah 11:1-9A. INTRODUCTIONHaving a vision of the future, and working towards that vision, is a very important part of the Christian faith. In fact so important is it, that at the beginning of the church’s year—with the four weeks running up to Christmas we call...
by Brian | Aug 26, 2021 | Posts
Isaiah 2:1-5A. INTRODUCTION1. Setting GoalsAt the beginning of each year, many people make resolutions—they set goals and hopes for the coming year. And, of course, some scoff at those who do—and sometimes with good reason. Because the disadvantages of those who like...
by Brian | Aug 19, 2021 | Posts
Psalm 107:23-32; Jonah 1:1-17; Mark 4:35-41A. INTRODUCTIONLet me first explain that my experience of the sea has been very limited. I’ve been across the English Channel on a number of occasions—using both ferries and hovercraft. I’ve been across the Solent on a number...
by Brian | Aug 12, 2021 | Posts
Psalm 105:1-11 & Luke 16:19-31A. INTRODUCTIONI ‘d like to start today with a confession. And that is . . . I was not brought up to consider remembering the past very seriously at all. For a start, as I was growing up, my father did not discuss his childhood or his...
by Brian | Aug 6, 2021 | Posts
2 Kings 4:1-7 & 1 Corinthians 12:14-26A. INTRODUCTIONDifferent people have different ideas of what it means to live as a community. Some work together well, and are good at helping each other. Others . . . well, the fact is that some people may live close by, but...
