Faith Under Fire (2 Corinthians 6.3-13)

Paul lives as a pure, patient, kind and loving Christian. Moreover, he does so under extraordinary pressure. How was he able to survive and indeed thrive in such circumstances? The answer is directly relevant to us as we seek to live as disciples of Jesus in challenging times.

Motives For Mission (2 Corinthians 5.11 – 6.2)

What motivates you for mission? Paul essentially deals with this question in these verses. A central part of his answer may well surprise us.

Know Your Future (2 Corinthians 5.1-10)

If we spend time reflecting on the wonderful future God has for us as Christians, does that make us ‘so heavenly minded we’re of no earthly use?’ Some people have thought so, but the apostle Paul disagrees.

The New Testament Church (2 Corinthians 1.23 – 2.11)

‘To live above with, saints we love, wouldn’t that be glory? To live below with saints we know, well that’s a different story.’ Most of us feel this at some time or other. We find church – the Christian community – challenging. These verses encourage us get involved. We are called both to believe and to belong.

The God Of All Comfort (2 Corinthians 1.1-22)

Today we begin a journey through 2 Corinthians, looking at some of the letter’s powerful teaching, and considering the apostle Paul’s practice of discipleship. ‘The God of all Comfort’ is one of the best-known phrases in the letter. But what does it mean, and how can we receive this comfort and pass it on to others?

The Call To Commitment (Matthew 8.19-23)

This reflection attempts to unpack and apply Jesus’ challenging words about commitment. We tend to think there are just two basic responses to Jesus’ call on our lives: we either follow him wholeheartedly or reject him and walk away. With the help of some thoughts from C.S. Lewis, we see there’s a third response. This additional response is actually the one many people in our churches make. Unfortunately, it’s likely to make us miserable! How will we respond to Jesus’ call today?

The Great Omission (Matthew 28.16-20)

The closing passage of Matthew’s gospel is often referred to as the ‘Great Commission’. But it’s arguable we have neglected these verses to such an extent that a better name would be ‘The Great Omission’. It is vital we hear and respond to their challenge, but it is also vital also recognise the wonderful encouragement Jesus gives us here.

What Do You Worship? (Psalm 135.15-18 and Acts 4.8-13)

We all worship someone, or something. These readings set out two of the key options: worship of idols or worship of the God who reveals himself through Jesus Christ. They also show us the consequences of these two options, deeply damaging in the first instance and wonderfully life affirming in the other. Which will we choose?

Developing Object Permanence (Psalms 123 and 131)

Fifty not out! This episode reiterates the key aims of this podcast before turning to the issue of trust. We know we’re called to trust in God through all the twists and turns of our present existence. But we find it hard. These two Psalms help us identify why we find it so difficult and point the way to the solution.

Out Of The Depths, Psalm 130

We cry to God in these unprecedented times, but does he really listen? This short but powerful Psalm gives us great assurance and great hope, as well as encouraging patience as we wait for our God to act.