Paul wants us to follow Jesus' example - and in this passage from Philippians 2:1-11 he helps us to see what that looks like.

Why are so many Christians reluctant to share their faith, and why would the example of someone being put in prison because they were a Christian, give us confidence to talk about Jesus? Just some of the questions we're exploring today.

Today we start a new series looking at Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. If you were in prison, facing possible execution, because you were a follower of Jesus, and were writing to Christians who were experiencing persecution for their faith what would you message and prayer be? Paul's letter is full of joy and thanks and his prayer is not for an ease in their circumstances but that they might know God better.

Fasting - as a spiritual discipline - has fallen off the radar in many parts of the western church. So what's it all about, should I fast, and how do I start?

The 'average person in the street' - who was alive in Jesus' time - would have been familiar with shepherds. They would have also been familiar with this as an image, a metaphor, for leaders - who were sometimes described as being bad leaders. And so what does Jesus mean when he describes himself as the good shepherd?

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection - a day that changed everything. How can we help those we come across this week to find Jesus?

On Good Friday we reflected on the cross and Jesus' great love for us.

Jesus deliberately and intentionally put his story within the context of the Exodus story. How does this help us understand what is going on?

As Jesus enters Jerusalem at the beginning of this most important week there are many people who are asking, 'who is this?' Our answer to this question has eternal consequences.

Jesus told the parable of the tenants just a few days before Good Friday, challenging the religious leaders whether they were going to treat him just as their ancestors treated the prophets - the prophets who were vindicated as the people were taken into exile. None of what was about to happen to Jesus was a surprise or a mistake. It was all a part of God's plan in order that we might know peace and forgiveness.