MY NEXT SERMON

I AM  PREACHING NEXT ON SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 2025 - at ALL SAINTS' PARISH CHURCH, WINTERSLOW, WILTSHIRE - 9.15 a.m. 

SERMON 221 - SUNDAY 10 AUGUST 2025

Sermon at St. John’s Church, West Grimstead - 8th Sunday after Trinity – Sunday 10 August 2025

Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40

May I speak in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and may these words be those of you, Lord, and may they be a blessing to all who listen and hear them.

Did you notice how both our First and Gospel Readings began this morning? On both occasions the Word of God/Jesus started with the phrase “Do not be afraid?”. In fact, that phrase, and words with the same meaning, occurs in the Bible, it is said, 365 times – once for each day of the year but, as I have never counted them, I can’t say for certain that this is true. It does appear, however, more times in the Old Testament than in the New.  Whatever the numerology, it is a phrase which is encouraging to us all reminding us that if we have a belief in the Trinity, we have nothing to fear but fear itself as a previous United States President once stated.

With this in mind, each of our three readings this morning reminds us of God’s awesome, and at the same time, inexplicable or supernatural power.

Of course, I love our First Reading from Genesis – that occasion when God, in a Vision, informed an elderly man, Abram (as he was then known), that despite his age and childlessness, he would found a dynasty – that he would have descendants more numerous than the stars in the sky.  Abram is asked to count them, if he can, and today we know that there are at least 100 billion stars in our Milky Way Galaxy with a further several trillion galaxies in our known Universe.  How awesome is that?  To put it in context, the stars of the cosmos far exceed the grains of sand on every beach in the world!

Abram had been disappointed and fearful that he had no issue of his own and that it would have to be the descendants of one of his slaves who would inherit his wealth – for Abram, we read, was an exceedingly wealthy man. We read that he and his wife, Sarah, were in their eighties and so it seemed a biological impossibility that they could have children. Of course, we know that God’s message to Abram came good and his wishes for a family was answered.

In our second reading, the author of Hebrews, who, for a number of reasons, we do not believe was Paul but probably one of his acolytes, is writing to the Jewish Christian followers, mainly in Jerusalem, who were being persecuted by orthodox Jews and being tempted to give up following Jesus and return to traditional Judaism. For many biblical scholars and general Christians this is the most important epistle after Paul’s letter to the Romans and is a great book to read at times when our faith is being challenged or we have doubts.

The essence of Hebrews is to remind the reader that what has gone on before in the Old Testament is a prophecy and places the New Testament in the context of the history of the Jewish Faith – a continuation and therefore not at variance with Jewish tradition.  Jesus reminded his followers that he had not come to overthrow the Old but to fulfil it.  

The writer, in the passage read out this morning, is reminding his Jewish recipients of his letter of the events portrayed in our First Reading and by Faith and Obedience, Abram/Abraham he received all that had been promised to him and therefore his original fears had been overcome.  Towards the end of the passage, the author reminds his readers that Abraham and his family and followers had also to be treated as strangers and foreigners when they left their homeland but because of their faith and obedience and would reach a better heavenly one.

So here we see again the message of trusting in God and thus overcoming our fear even if the tasks may seem fearful and impossible.  We are to take our faith beyond our small parochial orbit, so to speak, and realise and appreciate the vastness and awesomeness of God’s kingdom.

Our Gospel reading is quite a familiar one but I think it does need some explanation.

Again, the passage begins with Jesus telling his disciples not to be afraid. He is telling them that whatever might happen to them here in Earth, because of their love and generosity and readiness to trust in God, they can receive the Kingdom of Heaven where nothing passes away, nothing rots, (where no moths can destroy as he puts it) unlike here. He is setting the tone to trust and rely on God and not earthly efforts.

In fact, this passage encourages all who believe to detach themselves from material possessions and to invest in heavenly treasures; to live in anticipation of the Lord’s return for, as he says, where your heart is, there you treasure will be also.  To invest in the material world of today is to invest in all that will disappear and not what will endure.  My grandfather in Norfolk worked for the local carpenter and funeral director and he had a very simple life, not storing up riches but by enjoying God’s creation in the countryside around him.  He never had much money or many holidays but simply soaked up the wonderful scenery where he lived.  He once told me that the reason for this was that during all the time he had been working for the funeral director he had never seen pockets in a shroud.  “You can’t take it with you” so he chose not to spend his time on gaining material wealth.  My grandfather indulged in focussing on spiritual riches in his loving and compassionate manner rather than material wealth. As a result, he became my favourite grandparent.  A simple but, in his way, very spiritual man.

Jesus, also in this passage, reminds us, with his analogy of the servants waiting for the return of their master, to be ever vigilant about Jesus’s own return. We must be ready and not found wanting when he does return.  We should practice those virtues which he taught us in the gospel and for this purpose we have the Holy Spirit to assist us in that life of readiness and vigilance expecting his return at any time; not to be complacent or indolent but alert and ready.

Finally, in this gospel passage, Jesus is promising that those who wait and serve will themselves be waited upon and served by the master, highlighting the theme of humble service and turning social hierarchy on its head.  Our humble service will lead, in other words, to God’s graciousness.

In essence, therefore, the three takeaways from our three readings today, and in particular our gospel reading are as follows:

·       As Christians we should trust in God’s provisions for us and not be afraid

 

·       We should prioritise spiritual wealth over material possessions and live with generosity and compassion towards others

• Be ready for Christ's return through a life of service and faith.

So, what is your action plan going forward? Which of these will you prioritise and how will do it?  If you are doing it already, how can you improve upon what you are doing?

A good start is, of course prayer, so let us pray:

"Father God, I come before you acknowledging your awesome power and sovereignty. I recognize that you are the source of all strength and comfort. Help me to replace my fear with your peace, knowing that you are with me always. Help me to be ever ready for your return and to be there for all those in need of your grace and compassion; to be a channel of your love for all creation. Finally, thank you for your unending love and for being my refuge. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and ever-present Saviour." 

Amen                                                                                                    MFB/221/06082025

 

 

SERMON 220 - SUNDAY 27 JULY 2025 - TRINITY 6

Sermon at All Saints’ Church, Winterslow, Wiltshire - 6th Sunday after Trinity – Sunday 27 July 2025

Luke 11:1-13

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, we find a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples. One of the most profound aspects of Jesus' ministry was His intimate relationship with His Father, God, and the way He communicated with Him through prayer. The disciples, witnessing Jesus' powerful connection with God, were deeply moved by His ability to pray. And so, they ask Him the most important question they could ask: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). This request not only reveals the disciples’ longing to connect with God in the way Jesus did but also opens the door for us to understand the nature of Christian prayer, its purpose, and its power.

As we explore this passage, we will dive into Jesus’ teachings on prayer, examine the model He provides, and reflect on how these truths apply to our own lives today. By the end, I pray we will all be encouraged and equipped to embrace the power of prayer in our daily walks with God.

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1. The Disciples' Request: "Lord, Teach Us to Pray"

In verse 1 of Luke 11, we find the disciples coming to Jesus with a humble request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” There’s something beautiful in this simple request. The disciples had already been with Jesus for a time, seen His miracles, heard His teaching, and witnessed His life of devotion to God. Yet, despite all of this, they recognized that there was one thing they lacked—an understanding of how to pray in a way that truly connects them to God.

It’s significant to note that the disciples didn’t ask Jesus to teach them to heal the sick, raise the dead, or preach the Kingdom. No, they wanted to learn how to pray because they saw that His power and authority came from His intimate connection with the Father through prayer. The power of Jesus’ ministry was not just in the miracles He performed but in the consistent, deep communion He maintained with God.

Prayer, in essence, is not just a religious activity or a duty. It is an invitation into relationship with the living God. When we ask God to teach us to pray, we are not just asking for a formula of words but for a deeper, more profound understanding of how to commune with Him. As Christians, we must acknowledge that prayer is not merely transactional but relational—it is about drawing near to God’s heart.

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2. The Lord's Prayer: A Model for Our Own Prayers

Jesus responds to the disciples' request by giving them a model of prayer—what we commonly call "The Lord's Prayer" (Luke 11:2-4). Although this prayer is short, it is profound and rich with meaning. Let’s break it down:

• "Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name" (Luke 11:2):

Jesus begins by addressing God as "Father," which is a revolutionary concept. In Jesus' day, God was seen as distant and holy, but through Jesus, we are invited into a personal, familial relationship with God. He is not just the Creator of the universe; He is our loving Father who desires a close relationship with His children. This opening phrase is an invitation to approach God with reverence and intimacy, recognizing both His holiness and His closeness to us.

The phrase "Hallowed be Thy name" reflects a deep desire for God’s name to be honoured and respected. This is not just about revering God's name with our words but also in our actions, our lives, and our hearts. We are called to live in a way that makes God’s name known and glorified.

• "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Luke 11:2):

Here, Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth. The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. As Christians, we are called to live in alignment with God’s will and seek to see His kingdom expand through the preaching of the gospel, acts of love, and the transformation of society. Our prayer should reflect a longing for God's will to be done in our lives and the world around us.

This part of the prayer is about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes, acknowledging that His plan for our lives and the world is better than anything we could imagine on our own.

• "Give us this day our daily bread" (Luke 11:3):

Jesus teaches us to ask God for our daily needs. This is a reminder that God provides for us, not just spiritually, but also physically. We are to rely on Him for our daily sustenance, acknowledging that He is the giver of all good gifts. This part of the prayer encourages us to be dependent on God, trusting Him to provide for both our immediate and long-term needs.

• "And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us" (Luke 11:4):

Jesus links the forgiveness we seek from God with the forgiveness we offer to others. This part of the prayer teaches us that our relationship with God is intricately connected to our relationships with others. We cannot expect to be forgiven if we are not willing to forgive others. It’s a call to live in humility and mercy, extending grace to those who wrong us just as God has extended grace to us.

• "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Luke 11:4):

Finally, Jesus teaches us to pray for protection from temptation and evil. This reflects our constant need for God’s guidance and help in a world full of distractions and spiritual dangers. It’s a plea for God’s strength to resist temptation and to remain faithful to His will.

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3. The Power of Christian Prayer Today

In verses 5-13, Jesus elaborates on the power and importance of prayer, using two parables: the parable of the friend at midnight and the parable of the father and the son. Both emphasize persistence, trust, and the generous nature of God in answering prayer.

• The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8):

In this story, a man goes to his friend at midnight, asking for bread. The friend is reluctant at first, but because of the man's persistence, he eventually gives him what he needs. Jesus concludes by saying, “I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs” (Luke 11:8).

This parable teaches us the power of persistent prayer. God is not reluctant to answer us, but like the friend in the story, we must persist in prayer. We are encouraged to approach God boldly, with confidence that He hears us and will respond. Persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down, but about showing our dependence on Him and our trust in His timing.

• The Parable of the Father and the Son (Luke 11:9-13):

Jesus then uses the example of a father giving good gifts to his child to illustrate God's generous nature. He says, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13). This highlights the idea that God, our Father, is more willing and able to bless us than even the best earthly fathers.

The greatest gift we can ask for is the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out the Christian life, pray according to God’s will, and be witnesses of His Kingdom. Prayer is powerful because it aligns our hearts with God’s will and opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

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4. Practical Implications for Us Today

In light of this passage, there are several key takeaways that can transform our approach to prayer:

• Prayer is relational, not transactional. When we pray, we are not simply asking for things from God. We are entering into relationship with Him, expressing our trust, dependence, and love. Let’s approach prayer not just as a request line, a shopping list for want of a better description, but as a conversation with our Heavenly Father.
• Pray with persistence and boldness. God is not annoyed by our requests. He delights in hearing from us, and He promises to answer our prayers. Persistence in prayer shows that we trust in His timing and His faithfulness. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking.
• Align your prayers with God's will. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done. Our prayers should reflect a desire for God’s purposes to be fulfilled, not just our own desires.
• Trust in God's generosity. Just as a father gives good gifts to his children, God delights in giving good gifts to us. The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift we can receive, and He empowers us to live the life God has called us to.

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Conclusion

In Luke 11:1-13, Jesus teaches us to pray in a way that acknowledges God’s holiness, seeks His Kingdom, depends on His provision, offers forgiveness, and requests His protection. More importantly, He invites us into a deep, personal relationship with our Father in Heaven through Jesus who came down from heaven and was crucified so we might be forgiven our sins and enter into a direct relationship with the Father. As we embrace the power of prayer, let us remember that God is always ready to listen, always willing to give good gifts, and always working for our good. May we pray with boldness, persistence, and faith, trusting that our prayers are heard and that God will answer according to desires and timings for us – and it is especially important to remember that his timings are not always our timings.

Finally, Pete Greig, the founder of 24-7 Prayer Movement has provided a wonderful acronym for a simple and wonderful way to pray and it’s even easier to remember for it is P-R-A-Y!

P is for Pause – in this busy and noisy world take time out to pause your life, remember to whom you are addressing your prayer and give God some of the time from your busy schedule

R is for Rejoice – even if sometimes we find this hard, reflect and rejoice on all those blessings which God has already granted us through his creation. It reminds us of who God is and the enormity and omnipresence in our lives

A is for Ask – only after we have paused and rejoiced/reflected are our hearts really in the right place. Jesus told us, his disciples, that ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find. Be bold in your requests just as the friend in the parable

Y is for Yield – though we might ask for the most outrageous things in our prayers we must be prepared to yield to his will and accept his answer – which sometimes for our own sake or because the time is not quite right might be “no”.

Allow God to speak to your heart; He wants you to experience the joy of partnering with Him, to be in a true and loving relationship with Him.

Let us now say the Lord’s Prayer together :

Our Father etc.

Amen                                                                                                  MFB/220/25072025

SERMON 219 - SUNDAY 13 JULY 2025 - TRINITY 4

 REFLECTION FOR SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2025 – Trinity 4

(West Dean Morning Worship – Sermon 219)

Luke 10:25-37

Reflections on the Parable of the Good Samaritan: Who Is My Neighbour Today?

 The Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), is one of the most profound teachings on compassion, mercy, and what it truly means to be a neighbour. In the story, a man is left beaten and robbed on the roadside. A priest and a Levite pass by without helping, but a Samaritan, considered an outsider and enemy by the standards of that time, stops, cares for him, and ensures his recovery. Jesus concludes by asking, "Which of these was a neighbour to the man?" The reply: "The one who showed mercy." This parable compels us to redefine the boundaries of whom we consider our neighbours.

In its original context, the parable challenged social prejudices and called for universal compassion beyond cultural and ethnic divides. Today, the question remains relevant: Who is my neighbour in the modern world? As societies have become increasingly interconnected yet often divided by race, religion, nationality, and socio-economic status, this question prompts us to examine how the principle of loving our neighbour can be applied in contemporary life.

 

Expanding the Definition of Neighbour

Traditionally, the concept of neighbour might be confined to people living nearby or those belonging to the same community or religion. However, Jesus broadens this definition by illustrating that neighbourliness transcends social barriers. In the modern era, this can mean many things—reaching out across cultural divides, helping strangers regardless of background, and recognizing shared humanity in a globally interconnected world.

For example, consider refugee crises, global pandemics, and economic inequalities. In each case, the immediate response to suffering calls for a neighbourly attitude. The person in need may be thousands of miles away or part of a different social group, yet compassion and action are demanded of us. The challenge lies in overcoming indifference and recognizing that our neighbour is anyone in need, regardless of nationality, race, or circumstance.

 

Who Are the Neighbours in Today’s Society?

In a modern context, neighbours are not just the people living next door—they are individuals suffering from social injustices, environmental crises, or personal hardship. For instance, marginalized communities facing systemic discrimination, victims of natural disasters, and isolated individuals in mental health crises all exemplify those to whom we are called to be neighbours.

Moreover, in this digital age, the concept expands even further. Social media exposes us to global suffering—such as videos of natural disasters, war zones, or poverty. Ignoring these may be easier than engaging, but the parable reminds us that compassion should extend online as well as offline. Acts of kindness, advocacy, or raising awareness can be modern forms of neighbourly love.

 

Barriers to Being a Modern Neighbour

Despite the expansive understanding of the term, several barriers hinder our ability to see everyone as our neighbour. Indifference, prejudice, fear, and inconvenience often create boundaries that prevent us from helping others. The priest and Levite in the parable represent societal figures who might have faced religious or social obligations not to touch a wounded person, but their avoidance contrasts sharply with the Samaritan's action.

Similarly, in modern society, busy schedules, economic self-interest, or polarized ideologies can hinder acts of mercy. We may feel powerless in the face of large-scale issues or uncertain about how to help effectively, yet small actions—like listening, volunteering, donating, or simply offering kindness—embody the essence of neighbourliness.

 

Practicing Compassion in the Modern World

Applying the parable today involves actively seeking out opportunities for mercy and compassion. Churches, NGOs, community groups, and individuals are called to prioritize empathy and service. This could mean volunteering at homeless shelters, supporting refugees, or simply offering a kind word to someone who is struggling.

Furthermore, education plays a crucial role. Teaching empathy in schools, raising awareness about social injustices, and fostering intercultural understanding can cultivate a culture of neighbourliness that extends beyond surface-level charity into genuine relationships.

 

The Power of Small Acts

The parable underscores an essential truth: the greatest acts of neighbourliness often stem from small, everyday gestures. In a world overwhelmed with crises, the reminder that even minor acts—listening to a friend, helping a neighbour, or advocating for justice—are meaningful is empowering.

For example, in urban settings, noticing a lonely elderly neighbour or assisting a stranger with directions exemplifies this principle. Globally, supporting essential workers or contributing to charitable causes can reflect a broad sense of neighbourliness.

 

Conclusion

The Parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to broaden our understanding of who our neighbour is in today's interconnected world. It asks us to transcend cultural, racial, and social barriers, and to act with mercy towards everyone in need. In a time fraught with division and prejudice, just as in the time of Jesus, this parable is as relevant today, if not more so, than then when division and dissent, and suffering and hardship are seen globally through the eyes of the digital world.

A prayer:

God of love,

May we always see the world through the eyes of the Good Samaritan and be filled with your deep compassion. Help us to be merciful neighbours even when it is inconvenient, when we don’t have time, or when we have other responsibilities to attend to. Grant us the insight to see the need in those around us, the wisdom to know how to respond, and the strength to do so willingly.

We pray for those we might cross the road to avoid - the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised. Those, who in many and various ways, have been stripped, beaten and left for dead. We pray for all who call from us more than we feel we have to give. Open our eyes, that we might not cross the road from human need.

May our love of you and love of our neighbour call us to be people of peace and justice in the world. And may we, like the Good Samaritan, always ‘go and do likewise’.

 Amen

                                                                       MFB/219/11072025

 

SERMON 218 - SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025 - PENTECOST SUNDAY

REFLECTIONS FOR SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025 – PENTECOST SUNDAY

at West Dean Breakfast Church, King George VI Hall, West Dean, Wiltshire

 Joel 2: 28-32

I am always slightly concerned when people say to me that whilst they read the New Testament they really don’t have time for the Old.  Indeed, I have often heard it said that as the New Testament means the “New Covenant” there is no longer need to look at the Old. For me, you cannot read the New in the context in which it was written or events occurred without having a knowledge of the Old and in particular the prophesies which it contains.  The latter part of the Old Testament contains the writings of both the Major and the Minor Prophets, one of the latter being Joel and, as we celebrate Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the followers at Jerusalem, it is wonderful to think of the continuity which exists between Old and New with the scripture for Joel which we have just heard.

This is a profound passage that also speaks to hope, renewal and divine presence. These verses prophetically describe the future outpouring of God’s Spirit, emphasising that God’s grace and power will extend to all people, sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free individuals, This inclusive promise reflects God’s desire for a universal renewal that transcends social and cultural boundaries.  Prior to this, we read of specific outpourings of the Spirit to specific individuals f or specific purposes e.g. Moses, Elijah and Elisha, David and so on.

This morning’s passage begins with the declaration that “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28).  This invocation of the Spirit signifies a transformative movement where divine power is no longer restricted to prophets or leaders as I mentioned above, but becomes accessible to everyone. It suggests that God’s presence is not limited but available to all those seeking renewal and guidance. This idea resonates deeply, especially considering the historical context where the Spirit was often seen as a special gift for prophets and a select few.

The promises of prophecy, dreams and visions in this passage highlight a time of Divine Communication and revelation.  These spiritual experiences serve to inspire and guide individuals and communities, fostering faith and hope. The universal nature of these manifestations indicates that God’s plans and purposes are inclusive and meant for all people, regardless of age and status. It underscores the theme that divine intervention is for collective renewal and salvation.

Verses 30 and 31 describe phenomenal signs in the heavens and on the Earth – “blood, fire and billows of smoke” – which serve as cosmic signs of divine activity.  These vivid images evoke a sense of urgency and anticipation emphasising that God’s intervention is both powerful and transformative. It also reminds me of the wonder and awe of God’s Creation which I feel when observing the heavens through my love of astronomy and it never ceases to amaze me how vast and awesome God’s creation really is and how privileged we are to be living on this wonderful and unique planet in the vastness of the expanse of the Universe.  These images which are conjured up by Joel also serve as warnings indicating that the outpouring of God’s Spirit is also associated with significant change and probably judgment but ultimately with hope, available to those who call on the Lord irrespective of their background and situation. This reflection encourages us to remain faithful and dependent on God’s grace recognising his sovereignty over all creation.  It inspires hope and reassurance that in the midst of chaos, sincere faith and prayer can lead to deliverance and divine protection.

 

Acts 2:1-16

Following on from the prophesy of Joel which we examined a moment ago we now turn to the day of Pentecost itself. In Acts 2:1-16, we see the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the church and the beginning of our mission to share the Gospel with the world. This day reminds us of the power, promise, and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I am going to split the scripture up into a number of parts, reminding ourselves of what is written, giving my own reflection and then asking you what it means to you.

 

1. The Setting of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

 “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Key Point:

Pentecost was a Jewish festival, a time of celebration and remembrance. But on this day, it became a day of divine revelation and empowerment. The Holy Spirit was poured out, filling the disciples and giving them the ability to speak in different languages. This was not just a miraculous event; it was a divine appointment to equip the church for its mission.  It should be noted that the true translation of “tongues” in this passage is not the one which is often given by Pentecostal churches as some unknown language spoken by angels, but the known languages of the Earth at that time – such as if I were to speak fluent Chinese without having learned or spoken the language before.

Application:

Are we open to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives? Like the disciples, we need the Spirit to fill us, to empower us for service, and to guide us in truth.

2. The Spirit’s Power and Presence (Acts 2:5-13)

“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven... When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken... Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’”

Key Point:

The Spirit’s power was evident. It transcended language and cultural barriers, uniting people from diverse backgrounds. The initial reactions ranged from awe to skepticism, but the Spirit’s work was undeniable.

Application:

The Holy Spirit breaks down barriers—racial, cultural, social—that divide us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses to the unity and love that the Spirit brings.  How in this modern day and age can we do this?  What are you going to do after we leave this Hall this morning?

3. Peter’s Boldness and the Gospel Declared (Acts 2:14-16)

“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you...’”

Key Point:

Empowered by the Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed the Gospel. The Spirit transforms fear into courage and enables us to testify to Christ.

Application:

Are we willing to be filled with the Spirit and share the Good News? The same Spirit that empowered Peter is available to us today. We are called to be witnesses, speaking truth and love into our communities.

Conclusion:

Pentecost and Joel’s writings are a reminder that the Holy Spirit is active and available to all believers. It is the Spirit who empowers us to live out our faith, to love others, and to fulfil God's mission in the world.

Call to Action:

This week, pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to fill you anew. Seek the courage to share your faith, and open your heart to the Spirit’s guidance. Let us remember that we are not alone—God has given us His Spirit to be with us always.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Fill us anew, empower us to be faithful witnesses, and unite us in love and purpose. May we, like the disciples on Pentecost, be bold in proclaiming Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. 

Amen.

 

SERMON 217 - SUNDAY 24 MAY 2025 - EASTER 6

Sermon at All Saints’ Parish Church, Winterslow - 6th Sunday in Easter – Sunday 25 May 2025

Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10, 22-27, 22:1-5; John 14:23-29

May I speak in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and may these words be those of you, Lord, and may they be a blessing to all who listen and hear them.

None of our readings this morning is all that easy to understand unless we acknowledge and accept the concept of a spirituality beyond what we would normally see or experience.  It requires a perfect belief in the fundamentals of Christianity – the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, Creator of all things and our Saviour and the acknowledgement of the Holy Spirit now with us.

On Sunday 8^th June we shall celebrate Pentecost when we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit down to the disciples and we will be given the opportunity to renew that Spirit within us. In today’s gospel reading from John, Jesus is foretelling that moment and reminding his disciples that he will remain with them in person for only a short limited period and that they should remember what he has told them and what they have seen and witnessed during his ministry. These words are ones which equally apply to us today –

“Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them and we will come to them and make out home with them.  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me”

This is one of the clearest passages in the whole of the Bible indicating that Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus then goes on to say “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

We have this reading this week to prepare us for Pentecost and remind us of the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit – to act as our advocate – a term which as a lawyer I am most familiar with, meaning somebody to act and intercede on our behalf with a higher authority – and to remind us of all Jesus’s teachings.

Our gospel reading goes on to relate Jesus’s final message of Peace.  Jesus knows that the disciples will be upset at His leaving them on the Day of Ascension but asks them not to be troubled, not to be afraid.  Whilst he may be leaving them from their sight, the Holy Spirit will be sent to them.

The disciples would have been acquainted with the Spirit of God being made available to certain individuals in the Old Testament for certain specific tasks – e.g. Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Elijah and Daniel as special prophets at times of difficulty and exile for the Hebrew people.  Now the Holy Spirit was going to be made available for all who believed and accepted Jesus in order to carry out the good work and ministry and proclaim the Good News to all the world.  As we approach Pentecost in a couple of weeks’ time, let us reflect upon Jesus’s words in this passage – “I do not give to you as the world gives, my peace I give to you”.

We can be comforted, at times of great difficulty and upheaval, such as we seem to be seeing in our world today, that Jesus remains with us through the power of the Holy Spirit and that despite all the things which might seem to conspire against us, we can be assured of the Peace which, as described by Paul, passes all understanding.

Our first reading this morning describes a vision which came to Paul after the Holy Spirit had come to the disciples and apostles. In this vision we are told he saw a man telling him to go to Macedonia. Convinced that he was being called to preach the Good News to the people of that territory he did this, arriving at Philippi, a leading city of the province and, we are told, a Roman Colony.

Paul and his followers were not entirely sure what they were to do so went to a place renowned for being a place of prayer and spoke to a number of women gathered there including Lydia, a worshipper and dealer in cloth.

We read that the Holy Spirit opened the heart of Lydia and that she eagerly listened to what Paul had to say resulting in her and her household being baptised.

Our Second Reading, from Revelation contains another vision – this time of a new city of Jerusalem coming down from heaven. There is a beautiful description of the city and of the river of the water of life flowing from it producing on either side of it the Tree of Life. 

I am reminded of that beautiful window in one of our Clarendon Churches – West Grimstead – and if you haven’t seen that window depicting the Tree of Life you must do so – a real treat. The vision of Jerusalem in Revelation is a vision of Utopia. Everything is beautiful and wholesome. The city provides its own light, not requiring the reflective light of Sun or Moon. It’s a vision of a New Heaven and a New Earth – something which we can all aspire to.

For me, the message form all of these readings today is that we need to acknowledge and accept that all things come from God and that we can only achieve what he wants us to achieve through a belief in his word and Holy Spirit. 

For many this is a difficult concept but for those who truly believe, they look upon the world differently to the non-believer.  We cannot always know precisely what God is asking us to do or who might be influenced by our own ministry, just as Paul didn’t know that he was being called to Macedonia to convert Lydia, but it does remind us that God does have a purpose for all of us and, as for the prophets of the Old Testament, we have the Holy Spirit to assist and guide us.

In preparing recent sermons, I have been struck by the number of times in scripture the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ our Saviour has been given to people who seem less appropriate – shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors and so on.  For me this is so heartening – it suggests that so long as we accept Christ and the Holy Spirit we are always going to be well equipped for mission. 

In coming weeks, as we reflect upon the Ascension and Pentecost, let us think about how we can, individually lead other people to Jesus and can ensure, through the Holy Spirit, that we recall and keep Christ’s words.

Let us pray the prayer of St. Theresa of Avila:

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Amen

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