all for one, one for all
Leadership is desperately needed — and not just from others, and not just in ‘official’ capacities. You have many opportunities to show unofficial leadership. This sermon on John 19:1-16 explores some critical historical context to highlight the kind of leader Jesus was, and who we can emulate.
Jesus is innocent, and yet he is treated with brutality. What happens in his trial, torture and crucifixion has some striking parallels to the coronation of a new roman ruler. What does it all mean? This episode is a Bible study on John 19:1-16a.
If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a “means of grace” (i.e. they can be a channel of God’s generosity, guidance and help in your life, even via imperfect preachers). So don’t you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It’s about being proactive, not passive.
Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world. What does that mean and what are the implications for those of us who follow him but who still live in this world? This sermon is on John 18:19-40 and provides some practical responses to our royal identity.
I was recently asked for book recommendations that would help grow someone’s faith. Here are 8 that I believe are accessible-yet-meaty.
What’s the deal with Lent? Here’s a fun trivia session I had with the congregation about the name, 40 days, ashes, and our focus.
Integrity is good. But it’s hard to demonstrate under pressure. This sermon explores John 18:1-18 and the examples of Peter and Jesus under pressure. It provides a one-sentence filter to help us have integrity under pressure.
The time has come. Soldiers arrive (with Judas). Where is Jesus? Tempers flare. Peter grabs his sword. This episode is a Bible study on John 18:1-18 and takes us through the first part of the passion story.
Jesus prayed specific things for his future followers. If you believe, that’s you! This sermon (and podcast) explores John 17. Let’s pray what Jesus prayed for us, and also see what he wants from our lives.
Is your life unfolding according to chance, or a bigger plan? Jesus teaches about providence: the invisible hand of God guiding and upholding your specific life. This sermon explores John 16:25-33 (and some of Psalm 22) to see this providence not only in the good, but in the difficult.
They’ve given up so much to follow Jesus. And yet, the will be scattered. They will abandon him. Despite this, they will receive peace from a suffering Messiah who has “overcome the world.” This podcast is a Bible study on John 16:25-33.
We live in a quick-fix culture. Sine we can get some things quickly, we assume we should be able to get all things quickly — even when it comes to joy. But not so fast. Think diet not pill. This sermon is on John 16:4-25 and a joy which overcomes sorrow.
How in the world can it be to the disciples “advantage” for Jesus to leave? But it is. Otherwise, he will not send the Holy Spirit to them. This episode looks is a Bible Study on John 16:4b-24 and looks at this question and also 3 ways the Spirit works in the world.
You want to follow Jesus and even share him with others. But you’re so busy. Your “margin” is nil. This podcast is a talk with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han, a professor at Tyndale who is writing a book on the importance of creating margin in our lives to be faithful disciples of Jesus.
Jesus said that the world would hate them. It would also persecute them. That’s serious stuff, both then and now. This sermon explores John 15:18 – 16:4 and offers 5 responses to increasing hostility.
Jesus said to abide in him. That includes loving him and following his commands — oh, and also be hated! This episode is a Bible study of John 15:18-16:4. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
I was recently interviewed by Chris Pullenayegem from the Vancouver School of Theology about looking within, spiritual disciplines, and encouraging an ethos of discipleship in a congregation. This podcast is a recording of our talk.
It doesn’t make the headlines like the apocalypse or the last social justice issue. But “abiding in Christ” is something we’re told to do, shapes us over the long haul, and gives us joy. But what is it? How do we do it? This sermon on John 15:1-17 answers these questions.
Jesus tells us he is the true vine, his Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. We are to “abide” in Jesus and bear fruit. What does he mean and how does this give us “joy”? That’s what I explore in this episode which is a Bible study on John 15:1-17.
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Helper” (the Paraklete). He lives within his people. But who exactly is he and what does he do? That’s what this sermon on John 14:15-31 explores.
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