A reflection on Matthew 28:1-20 for Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went Continue Reading
Empowering for the Extraordinary: Keeping Pace with Jesus
A reflection on Matthew 11:25-30 for Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have Continue Reading
Empowering for the Extraordinary: Giving Generously
A reflection on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 for Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted Continue Reading
Empowering for the Extraordinary: Costly Faith
A reflection on Luke 9:18-27 for Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the Continue Reading
Empowering for the Extraordinary: Everyone Gets to Play
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:1-14 for Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be Continue Reading
Empowering for the Extraordinary: All About the Other
A reflection on Luke 10:25-37 for Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit Continue Reading
Empowering for the Extraordinary: Jesus Front and Centre
A reflection on Mark 1:14-20 for Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and Continue Reading
Hidden Trust
A reflection on Matthew 6:19-34 for Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where Continue Reading
Hidden Deeds
A reflection on Matthew 6:1-18 for Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin. ‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no Continue Reading
‘How the Bible Actually Works’ by Peter Enns
A Book Review by Mark Beresford (Enns, Peter. ‘How The Bible Actually Works’, Hodder & Stoughton, Great Britain. 2019.) A few weeks ago a member of my congregation (Hi Kirsten!) Continue Reading
Light Among Us: A Visit from Afar
A reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 for Sunday, December 18 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Continue Reading
Light Among Us: A Visit to the Poor
A reflection on Luke 2:8-20 for Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an Continue Reading
Light Among Us: A Visit Promised
A reflection in Isaiah 9:1-7 for Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land Continue Reading
Light Among Us: ’In the beginning…’
A reflection on John 1:1-18 for Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: Light Ignited
A reflection on John 20:1-18 & 30-31 for Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: Light Extinguished
A reflection on John 19:17-42 for Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. …and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: Raising the Dead
A reflection on John 11:1-44 for Sunday, November 6, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: First Sight
A reflection on John 9:1-41 for Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Mosaic Gungahlin. As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: Caught in the Light
A reflection on John 8:2-11 for Sunday, 23 October, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: Cultivating Faith
A reflection on John 4:46-54 for Sunday, October 16 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose Continue Reading
Let There Be Light: Nicodemus
A reflection on John 3:1-21 for Sunday, October 9 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, Continue Reading
Celebrate
A reflection on Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 for the First Sunday in Lent, March 6, 2022. When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an Continue Reading
Indigenous Justice
A reflection on Matthew 5:6 for Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 (NRSVA) Continue Reading
Treasure
A reflection on 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 27, 2022. Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his Continue Reading
Glimpse
A reflection on Luke 9:28-36 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 27, 2022. Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the Continue Reading
Shine
A reflection on Exodus 34:29-35 and Psalm 99 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 27, 2022. Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the Continue Reading
Same. Different.
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:35-40 for the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, February 20, 2022. But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?’ Fool! Continue Reading
Children
A reflection on Luke 6:27-38 for the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, February 20, 2022. ‘…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse Continue Reading
Wait
A reflection on Genesis 45:3-11 & 15 and Psalm 37:1-11 & 40-41 for the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, February 20, 2022. Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still Continue Reading
Unexpected Springs of Grace: Humility
A reflection on Matthew 5:5 for Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (NRSVA) Inheritance seems to - Continue Reading
Raised
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 for the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, February 13, 2022. Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no Continue Reading
The Upside-Down Kingdom
A reflection on Luke 6:17-26 for the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, February 13, 2022. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude Continue Reading
Well Watered
A reflection on Jeremiah 17:5-10 & Psalm 1 for the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, February 13, 2022. Thus says the Lord:Cursed are those who trust in mere Continue Reading
Good News
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 6, 2022. Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you Continue Reading
Shortfall
A reflection on Luke 5:1-11 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 6, 2022. Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear Continue Reading
Holy
A reflection on Isaiah 6:1-13 and Psalm 138 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 6, 2022. In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the Continue Reading
Agape
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 13 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 30, 2022. If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging Continue Reading
Home
A reflection on Luke 4:21-30 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 30, 2022. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of Continue Reading
Pluck and Plant
A reflection on Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 71:1-6 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 30, 2022. Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb Continue Reading
Body
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2022. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are Continue Reading
Jubilee
A reflection on Luke 4:14-21 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2022. Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through Continue Reading
Opening the Book
A reflection on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, & 8-10, and Psalm 19 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2022. …all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They Continue Reading
Gift Giver
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 16, 2022. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know Continue Reading
First Sign
A reflection on John 2:1-11 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 16, 2022. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his Continue Reading
God’s Delight
A reflection on Isaiah 62:1-5 and Psalm 36:5-10 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 16, 2022. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I Continue Reading
Our Baptism
A reflection on Acts 8:14-17 for the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Continue Reading
Unexpected Springs of Grace: Lament
A reflection on Matthew 5:4 for Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NLT) Lament Continue Reading
Unexpected Springs of Grace: Simplicity
A reflection on Matthew 5:3 for Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered Continue Reading
Nurturing Faith Through Challenge
A reflection on Philemon 8-22 for Sunday, January 30 at Mosaic Gungahlin. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for Continue Reading
Nurturing Faith Through Relationship
A reflection on Philemon 1-7 and 23-25 for Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our Continue Reading
Expectation
A reflection on Luke 3:15-22 for the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022. As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether Continue Reading
The Creative Voice
A reflection on Isaiah 43:1-7 and Psalm 29 for the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022. But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Continue Reading
Gathering Everything
A reflection on Ephesians 1:1-14 for the Second Sunday After Christmas Day, January 2, 2021. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every Continue Reading
Revealing Word
A reflection on John 1:1-18 for the Second Sunday After Christmas Day, January 2, 2021. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the Continue Reading
Scattering and Gathering
A reflection on Jeremiah 31:7-14 and Psalm 147:12-20 for the Second Sunday After Christmas Day, January 2, 2022. For thus says the Lord:Sing aloud with gladness for Continue Reading
Always Growing
A reflection on Colossians 3:12-17 for the First Sunday After Christmas Day, December 26, 2021. As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, Continue Reading
A God Who Grows
A reflection on Luke 2:41-52 for the First Sunday After Christmas Day, December 26, 2021. Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was Continue Reading
Growing In God
A reflection on 1 Samuel 2:18-26 and Psalm 148 for the First Sunday After Christmas Day, December 26, 2021. Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His Continue Reading
The Will of God
A reflection on Hebrews 10:5-10 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not Continue Reading
Mary’s Song
A reflection on Luke 1:39-55 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021. In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the Continue Reading
The Guard of Your Heart
A reflection on Philippians 4:4-7 for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Continue Reading
The Hope of Repentance
A reflection on Luke 3:7-18 for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021. John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the Continue Reading
God Among Us
A reflection on Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Isaiah 12:2-6 for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021. Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!Rejoice and exult with Continue Reading
Restoration
A reflection on Micah 5:2-5a and Psalm 80:1-7 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Continue Reading
Hope Beyond Hope
A reflection on Philippians 1:1-11 for The Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with Continue Reading
A Cry from the Edge
A reflection on Luke 3:1-6 for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was Continue Reading
Seeking the Refiner
A reflection on Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 1:67-80 for The Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021. See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will Continue Reading
Finding Balance: Story, Song & Beauty
A reflection on 1 Samuel 2:1-10 & 1 Peter 2:21-25 for Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Hannah prayed and said, ‘My heart exults in Continue Reading
Finding Balance: Food, Hospitality & Conversation
A reflection on Mark 6:30-44 & Acts 2:42-47 for Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He Continue Reading
Waiting in Prayer
A reflection on 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 for the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of Continue Reading
Sign Sighting
A reflection on Luke 21:25-38 for the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the Continue Reading
The Wait
A reflection on Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Psalm 25:1-10 for the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to Continue Reading
Finding Balance: Prayer, Meditation & Silence
A sermon on 1 Kings 19:11-13 and Mark 1:35 for Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Mosaic Gungahlin. Today we continue with our series entitled, ‘Finding Balance’. The metaphor we have been Continue Reading
Finding Balance: Nature, Wonder, & Awe
A reflection on Psalm 19 for Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours forth Continue Reading
Finding Balance: Created to Balance (#2)
A reflection on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 for Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a Continue Reading
Finding Balance: Created to Balance (#1)
A reflection on Genesis 1 for October 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the Continue Reading
Story Time: Lost and Found
A reflection on Luke 15:1-2 & 11-32 for Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Mosaic Baptist Church Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees Continue Reading
Story Time: Good Samaritans?
A reflection on Luke 10:25-37 for Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal Continue Reading
Story Time: Fish Nets
A reflection on Matthew 13:47-50 for Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every Continue Reading
Story Time: Treasure
A reflection on Matthew 13:44-46 for Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he Continue Reading
Story Time: Weeds and Wheat
A reflection on Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43 for Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed Continue Reading
Story Time: Yeast
A reflection on Matthew 13:33 for Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in Continue Reading
Story Time: Mustard Seeds
A reflection on Matthew 13:31-32 for Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed Continue Reading
Story Time: Why Parables?
A reflection on Matthew 13:10-17 for Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it Continue Reading
Story Time: Learning to Pray
A reflection on Luke 18:1-17 for Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain Continue Reading
Story Time: The Sower – Hearing and Understanding
A reflection on Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23 for Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered Continue Reading
Kingdom Encounter: Generosity
A Reflection on Luke 19:1-10 for Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and Continue Reading
Kingdom Encounter: Faith
A Reflection on Mark 5:21-43 for Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Continue Reading
Kingdom Encounter: Obedience
A Reflection on Mark 5:1-20 and Mark 6:53-56 for Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin The Exorcism of the Gerasenes Demoniac – by Sebastien Bourdon (1653-1657). They Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Risen
A reflection on Psalm 16 and Matthew 28:1-10 for Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Cross
A reflection on Psalm 22 and Mark 15:21-41 for Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Messiah
A reflection on Psalm 110 and Matthew 22:41-16 for Sunday, March 28 at Mosaic Baptist Church. The Lord says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right handuntil I make your enemies your Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Cornerstone
A reflection in Psalm 118:19-25 and Matthew 21:33-46 for Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Lament
A reflection on Psalm 88 for Sunday, March 14 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church O Lord, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your presence,let my prayer come before you; incline Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Repentance
A reflection on Psalm 38 for Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath.For your arrows have Continue Reading
Rest On Grace
A reflection on Romans 4:13-25 for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021. For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but Continue Reading
Finding Profit
A reflection on Mark 8:31-38 for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the Continue Reading
A New Name
A reflection on Genesis 17:1-7 & 15-16 and Psalm 22:23-31 for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and Continue Reading
A Living Lent
May 12, 2015 By Mark Beresford (Edit) . A Sermon for the First Sunday in Lent February 22, 2015 (Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15) Peter’s understanding of Continue Reading
Finding Your Audience: A Reflection on Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-21
February 4, 2013 By Mark Beresford (Edit) Below is a homily originally preached at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Charnwood for Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013. As we approach Ash Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Trust
A reflection on Psalm 23 for Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green Continue Reading
Invited
A reflection on 1 Peter 3:18-22 for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2021 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He Continue Reading
Turning and Trusting
A reflection on Mark 1:9-15 for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2021 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was Continue Reading
Signalling Covenant
A reflection on Genesis 9:8-17 and Psalm 25:1-10 for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2020. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Praise
A reflection on Psalm 8 for Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your Continue Reading
A Fragile Treasure
A reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:3-12 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this Continue Reading
Jesus Revealed
A reflection on Mark 9:2-9 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he Continue Reading
Summoning the Faithful
A reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-12 and Psalm 50:1-6 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021. Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Wisdom
A reflection on Psalm 1 for February 14, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,or take the path that sinners Continue Reading
The Working Apostle
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 7, 2021 If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and Continue Reading
Revealing Authority
A reflection on Mark 1:29-39 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 7, 2021 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Continue Reading
A Working God
A reflection on Isaiah 40:21-31 and Psalm 147:1-11 for the Fiflth Sunday After Epiphany, February 7, 2021 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you Continue Reading
The Prayers Jesus Prayed: The Prayer Tent
A reflection on Psalm 27:3-6, 14 and Exodus 33:7-11 for Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church ...Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not Continue Reading
Prioritising Grace
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 31, 2021 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs Continue Reading
Revealing Authority
A reflection on Mark 1:21-28 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 31, 2021 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were Continue Reading
Finding Wisdom
A reflection on Deuteronomy 18:15-20 and Psalm 111 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 31, 2021 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; Continue Reading
Matthew’s Opening Line: Bathsheba
A reflection on 2 Samuel 11:1-5 and Matthew 1:6b for Sunday, January 31 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers Continue Reading
Living in the Light
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 24, 2021 I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have Continue Reading
People Fishing
A reflection on Mark 1:14-20 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 24, 2021 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is Continue Reading
Confronting Love
A reflection on Jonah 3:1-10 and Psalm 62:5-12 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 24, 2021 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Get up, go to Continue Reading
Matthew’s Opening Line: Rahab
A reflection on Joshua 2:1-4a, 6: 15-17, 22-25 & Matthew 1:5a for Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, Continue Reading
A Humble Listening
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 17, 2021 ‘All things are lawful for me’, but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful for me’, but Continue Reading
Already Known
A reflection on John 1:43-51 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 17, 2021 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was Continue Reading
Learning to Listen
A reflection on 1 Samuel 3:1-10 & Psalm 139:1-5 & 12-18 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 17, 2021 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word Continue Reading
John’s Baptism Fulfilled
A reflection on Acts 19:1-7 for ’The Baptism of Our Lord’ Sunday - January 10, 2021. While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some Continue Reading
Baptising the Messiah
A reflection on Mark 1:4-11 for ‘The Baptism of Our Lord’ Sunday - January 10, 2021. John the baptiser appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of Continue Reading
The Power of a Word
A reflection on Genesis 1:1-5 & Psalm 29 for ‘The Baptism of Our Lord’ Sunday - January 10, 2021 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless Continue Reading
A Reflection from Ephesians for Epiphany
A reflection on Ephesians 3:1-12 for Wednesday, January 6, 2021 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — for surely you have already heard Continue Reading
A Gospel Reflection for Epiphany
A reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 for Wednesday, January 6, 2021 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where Continue Reading
A Reflection from Isaiah for Epiphany
A reflection on Isaiah 60:1-6 & Psalm 72:1-7 & 10-14 for Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has Continue Reading
The Second Sunday After Christmas
A reflection on John 1:10-18 for Sunday, January 3, 2020 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his Continue Reading
The Second Sunday After Christmas
A reflection on Jeremiah 31:7-14 & Psalm 147:12-20 for Sunday, January 3, 2021 For thus says the Lord:Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the Continue Reading
The First Sunday After Christmas
A reflection on Galatians 4:4-7 for December 27, 2020 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the Continue Reading
The First Sunday After Christmas
A reflection on Luke 2:22-40 for Sunday, December 27, 2020 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Continue Reading
Matthew’s Opening Line: Tamar
A reflection on Matthew 1:3 & Genesis 38:1-30 for Sunday, January 10 at Mosaic Baptist Church In course of time the wife of Judah, Shua’s daughter, died; when Judah’s time of mourning was Continue Reading
Do Not Be Afraid When Others Rage
A reflection on Matthew 2:13-23 for January 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his Continue Reading
Do Not Be Afraid When Others Serve
A reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 for December 27, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Continue Reading
The Second Sunday After Christmas
A reflection on Ephesians 1:3-14 for Sunday, January 3, 2021 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly Continue Reading
Do Not Be Afraid to Worship
A reflection on Luke 2:20 for Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told Continue Reading
Do Not Be Afraid to Choose Love
A reflection on Luke 2:15-20 for Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Continue Reading
The First Sunday After Christmas
A reflection on Isaiah 61:10-62:3 & Psalm 148 for Sunday, December 27, 2020 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God;for he has Continue Reading
The Birth of Our Lord: Christmas Day
A reflection on Matthew 1:18-2:6 for Friday, December 25, 2020 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived Continue Reading
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
A reflection on Romans 16:25-27 for Sunday, December 20, 2020 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of Continue Reading
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
A reflection on Luke 1:26-38 for Sunday, December 20, 2020 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Continue Reading
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
A reflection on 2 Samuel 7:1-11 & 16, and Luke 1:46-55 for Sunday, December 20, 2020. Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his Continue Reading
Do Not Be Afraid to Practice Joy
A reflection on Luke 2:1-14 for Sunday, December 13 at Mosaic Baptist Church In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first Continue Reading
Do Not Be Afraid to Bring Peace
A reflection on Luke 1:46-55 for Sunday, December 6, 2020 for Mosaic Baptist Church And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Continue Reading
The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
A reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 for Sunday, December 13, 2020. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Continue Reading
The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
A reflection on John 1:6-8- & 19-28 for Sunday, December 13, 2020. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might Continue Reading
The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
A reflection on Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11, and Psalm 126 for the Sunday, December 13, 2020. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has Continue Reading
The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
A reflection on 2 Peter 3:8-15a for Sunday, December 6, 2020. But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one Continue Reading
The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
A reflection on Mark 1:1-8 for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020. The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Continue Reading
The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
A reflection on Isaiah 40:1-11 & Psalm 85:1-2 & 8-13 for the Second Sunday in Advent, December 6, 2020. Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.Speak tenderly Continue Reading
Advent Sunday: Hope
A reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 for Advent Sunday, 29 November, 2020. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God Continue Reading
Advent Sunday: Hope
A reflection on Mark 13:24-37 for Advent Sunday, November 29, 2020. But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the Continue Reading
Advent Sunday: Hope
A reflection on Isaiah 64:1-9 and Psalm 80:1-7 & 17-19 for Advent Sunday, November 29, 2020. O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at Continue Reading
Advent: Do Not Be Afraid to Hold Hope
A reflection on Luke 1:26-45 for November 29, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to Continue Reading
The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas Separate
A reflection on Acts 15:36-41 for Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the Continue Reading
The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem
A reflection on Acts 15:1-19 for Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: Continue Reading
The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe
A reflection on Acts 14:8-20 for Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church In Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from the time of his birth, who had never walked. He heard Paul Continue Reading
The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
A reflection on Acts 14:1-7 for Sunday, October 25 at Mosaic Baptist Church The same occurred in Iconium - where they went into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke so that many - both Jews and Continue Reading
The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia
A reflection on Acts 13:(13-28) 29-33a & 44-52 for Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. ...When everything was complete that was written about him, they took him from the tree Continue Reading
The First Missionary Journey: The Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul
A Reflection on Acts 13:1-3 for Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. In the church of Antioch there were prophets and teachers - Barnabas, Simeon of Africa, Lucias the Cyrene, Continue Reading
See and Come Alive: Reflecting the Kingdom
A reflection on Ephesians 4:1-16 for Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been Continue Reading
See and Come Alive: See the Unseen
A reflection on Ephesians 3:14-21 for Sunday, August 15, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes Continue Reading
See and Come Alive: God’s Masterplan – the End of Hostility
A reflection on Ephesians 2 for Sunday, August 9 at Mosaic Baptist Church. You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, Continue Reading
See & Come Alive: See the Eternal God
A Reflection on Ephesians 1 for Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Continue Reading
Taking a Spiritual Perspective: The Servant and the Hireling
A Reflection on 1 Kings 18:1-16 for Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year of the drought, saying, ‘Go, present Continue Reading
Taking a Spiritual Perspective: Training a Servant
A Reflection on 1 Kings 17:1-7 for Sunday, July 5 at Mosaic Baptist Church Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord the God of Israel lives, before Continue Reading
Taking a Spiritual Perspective: Legacy of the Kings
A Reflection on 1 Kings 11:29-33 & 38 for Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church ...when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Continue Reading
Taking a Spiritual Perspective: What’s the Point of a Temple?
A Reflection on 1 Kings 5:13-6:14 for Sunday, June 21 at Mosaic Baptist Church King Solomon conscripted forced labour out of all Israel; the levy numbered thirty thousand men. He sent them Continue Reading
Taking a Spiritual Perspective: Compromising for the Kingdom.
A Reflection on 1 Kings 11:1-8 for Sunday, June 14 at Mosaic Baptist Church King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Continue Reading
A Spiritual History: A Reflection on 1 Kings 14:19 and Deuteronomy 17:14-20
For Sunday, June 7 at Mosaic Baptist Church And the remaining words of Jeroboam and all that he did - are these not written in the words of the book of the days of Judah's kings? 1 Kings Continue Reading
Living the Spirit: Pentecost
A reflection on Acts 2:1-21 for the Day of Pentecost, May 31, 2020 at Mosaic - and around the world! Now when the Day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place. And suddenly Continue Reading
Living the Spirit: Embracing God’s Gifts
A Reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:1-14 for Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church Now about the spiritual, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you Continue Reading
Living the Spirit: Bearing God’s Fruit
A Reflection on Galatians 5:13-26 for Sunday, May 17 at Mosaic Baptist Church For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for Continue Reading
Living the Resurrection: Daily Rising with Christ
A Sermon on Romans 6:1-14 for May 3, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church Over the last few weeks we’ve been considering the death and resurrection of Jesus. We remembered and celebrated the events of Continue Reading
Promised Presence: A Reflection on John 14:15-21
(for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020) ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is Continue Reading
Living the Spirit: Hearing God’s Voice – A Reflection on Joel 2:25-32
For Sunday, May 10 at Mosaic Baptist Church I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten,the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against Continue Reading
Knowing the Father: A Reflection on John 14:1-14
(for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020) Photo: Jude Beck (Unsplash.com) ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house Continue Reading
A Familiar Voice: A Reflection on John 10:1-10
(for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020) ‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The Continue Reading
A Final Prayer: A Reflection on John 17:1-11
(for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24, 2020) After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify Continue Reading
The Gathering Christ: A Reflection on Luke 24:13-35 (for the Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020)
Photo: Mike Keneally (Unsplash.com) Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things Continue Reading
Living the Resurrection: Rising – A Reflection on Romans 6:1-14 (for Sunday, May 3, 2020)
What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised Continue Reading
Living the Resurrection: Hoping – A Reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 & 26-28 (for Sunday, April 26, 2020)
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been Continue Reading
Living the Resurrection: Believing – A Reflection on John 20:19-31 (for the Second Sunday of Easter – April 19, 2020)
Photo: Emily Morter (Unsplash.com) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came Continue Reading
Seeing With Jesus: Seeing the Empty Tomb – A Reflection on Mark 16:1-8 (for Easter Sunday)
Photo: Mitchell Orr (Unsplash.com) When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on Continue Reading
Burying their Dead: A Reflection on John 19:38-42 (For Saturday in Holy Week)
After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him Continue Reading
Seeing With Jesus: What Do You See? A Reflection on Mark 8:27-33 & 9:30-32 (For Good Friday)
Photo: Joe Beck (Unsplash.com) Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, Continue Reading
A Cosmic Kneeling: A Reflection on John 13:1-17 (For Maundy Thursday)
Photo: Krists Luhaers (Unsplash.com) Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the Continue Reading
Dinner Downer: A Reflection on John 13:21-32 (For Wednesday in Holy Week)
Brett Jordan (Unsplash.com) After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, Continue Reading
Visioning Jesus: A Reflection on John 12:20-36 (for Tuesday in Holy Week)
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and Continue Reading
Extravagant Beauty: A Reflection on John 12:1-11 (For Monday in Holy Week)
Photo: Prateek Pratyal (Unsplash.com) Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha Continue Reading
Seeing With Jesus: What Do You See? A Reflection on Mark 8:22-26
Photo by Pixabay (Freephotos.cc) They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the Continue Reading
Seeing With Jesus: What Do the Old Guard See? A Reflection on Mark 12:1-12
Photo: Priscilla Du Preez (Unsplash.com) Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he Continue Reading
Seeing With Jesus: What Do Others See? #2 – A Reflection on Mark 10:46-52
Photo: Viktor Talashuk (Unsplash.com) They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the Continue Reading
Seeing with Jesus: What do Others See? #1 – A Reflection on Mark 10:17-31
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon (Unsplash.com) As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus Continue Reading
Seeing with Jesus: What do the Spirits See? A Reflection on Mark 5:1-20
Sunday, March 15, 2020 The Exorcism of the Gerasenes Demoniac - by Sebastien Bourdon (1653-1657). They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had Continue Reading
Seeing with Jesus: What did Jesus See? # 2 – A Reflection on Mark 2:13-17.
Reflection #2 for Sunday, March 8, 2020 (Photo: Jon Tyson, Unsplash.com) Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was Continue Reading
Seeing with Jesus: What Did Jesus See? #1 – A Reflection on Mark 2:1-12.
Reflection #1 for Sunday, March 8, 2020 Photo: Edi Libedinsky (Unsplash.com) When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered Continue Reading
The Heart of the Church: Integrating Faith into Our Everyday – A Reflection on Joshua 24: 14-28
Sunday, March, 1, 2020 Photo: Tim Mossholder (Unsplash.com). ‘Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors Continue Reading
The Heart of the Church: Impact Beyond these Walls – A Reflection on Galatians 5:1-14
Perry Grone: Unsplash.com For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be Continue Reading
The Heart of the Church: Deep and Authentic Relationships – A Reflection on Ephesians 2:11-22
So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— remember that Continue Reading
A Living Lent
This sermon was originally preached in the parish of St Barnabas, Charnwood in 2015. The readings are the same ones set for Sunday, 21 February, 2021 - so I offer it again for your Continue Reading
Finding Your Audience: A Reflection on Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-21
‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as Continue Reading