‘Of all the commandments, which is the greatest?’ This is the question posed by a teacher of the law to Jesus in the temple. We may know the answer to his question - yet, in our day to day lives, are we living this commandment out - and how can we, in fact?

Donald explores the meaning of the OT covenant, noting the emphasis on the whole people as a collective, rather than individuals. The role of the covenant people is to be a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. These roles are identified in 1 Peter as applying to the NT churches, and the sermon examines briefly what this means for us as a community.

What can we learn from Elijah about how we should pray? God had set fire to the pyre on top of Mount Carmel confirming He is the God who can end the drought that is afflicting the land. However, Elijah keeps on praying. Elijah has to pray a further seven times before God begins to enact His promise to end the drought in Israel. Prayer is continual, committed and freeing.

We are invited to know God as the Good Shepherd, a shepherd under whose care we lack nothing. As we come to see who the Good Shepherd is, we become more aware of the amazing invitation offered to us.

Atop Mt. Carmel, Elijah challenges the Israelites to choose between a life following Baal or a life following God. Where do we, in 2018, place our trust? Who has our heart?

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