The Walk of Faith (Matthew 14.22-33)

On Sunday I spoke at our old church, Christ Church London, at their Mile End Services. It was great fun to see old friends, make new ones, and preach on the subject of faith. We looked at the story of Jesus (and then Peter) walking on water, and drew out three principles for living a…

Fellowship with Focus (Acts 2.42–47)

Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking at Witney Community Church, continuing their series on the book of Acts. We looked at the picture of the early church in Acts 2.42-47 (a passage I think I’ve heard more sermons on than any other, but had never preached on until this week!) We considered some of…

The Host. (A very short story).

His lips turned an icy blue. A shocking contrast against the crimson rising around his neck and cheeks. His whole body screamed in silent convulsions. At first unnoticed. Then slowly awareness began to spread among the other guests. Is he…?Should we…? One hand clutched his throat. The other shot out and began flailing around, seeking…

The Spirit of Truth (1 John 4.1–6)

On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at Gloucester Community Church, continuing their series on 1 John, Life in Community. In chapter 4 of his letter, John addresses the subject of false teaching that has arisen in Ephesus. So in this sermon we consider how to spot truth from falsehood, and how to ensure…

Baptism in the Spirit (sermon)

On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at Carterton Community Church, continuing their series on life in the Spirit. After a fantastic time of worship (it was one of those precious times when I didn’t want it to end TBH, and was reluctant to start preaching!) we looked at what it means to be…

God: The Just and Gracious Judge

On Sunday I continued our series at Oxford Community Church on the character of God, and I spoke on the theme of God as the Just and Gracious Judge. In particular we considered: We covered a lot of ground! I trust some of it will be helpful to you. If you’re interested, you can check…

To us a child is born (Isaiah 9.2-7)

On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking on the throne titles of the Messiah in Isaiah 9. This amazing passage, written 700 years before the coming of Jesus, introduces him as the light who breaks in to the darkness of the world. In this talk, we consider how Jesus is: If you’re interested, you…

The Messiah formerly known as Prince of Peace

It’s nearly Christmas. Which means it’s that time of year where Isaiah 9 gets its annual outing. This is an amazing chapter, prophesying the birth of the Messiah, who will bring great light to people walking in darkness. And he shall be called, ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9.6) There is so much in…

Joseph and Restoration (Genesis 42-45)

On Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at Oxford Community Church, continuing a series on the life of Joseph. We looked at Genesis 42-45, this long stretch in which Joseph is reunited with his brothers after 22 years. But rather than revealing his identity to them immediately, he puts his brothers through a series…

Learning to pray on Gethsemane roundabout

This strange little roundabout is a few minutes from my house. The first time I walked across it, taking my then-five-year-old daughter to school, she declared: “Oh, I know this place from my Bible! It’s the Garden of Gethsemane.” It was a strange thing for her to say. Gethsemane in her storybook Bible looks far…