These are recorded Sunday talks. For the very latest, see the "Latest Recorded Talks" page. Sermon series are available on church, Exodus, selected Psalms, Isaiah, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 Peter and James. Previous talks not in those series are on the Recorded Earlier page. You can download older files, back to 2011, from the Sermon Archive. For some of our favourites from all these collections, see the panel at the lower right of this page.
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Sermon series, October 2016 to July 2018:
Luke 1:1-4 – Luke's desire for certainty
Luke first had this desire himself, and after investigating carefully, he wrote the gospel because he wanted his readers also to know the same certainty. (Erik Pattison, 2 October 2016)
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Luke 1:5-25 – The forerunner of the Messiah
At last, a new prophet to Israel is announced. His father Zechariah is told at the best time and place, but does not believe. God invites us to believe, but how good it is that he will not fail if we fail. (Erik Pattison, 9 October 2016)
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Luke 1:26-38 – Good news for a change
Gabriel's announcement to Mary meant a change in history, a change in humanity, and difficult changes ahead for Mary. (Neville Reid, 16 October 2016)
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Luke 1:39-56 – God does all he says
Mary's song rejoices in the faithfulness of God, whose mercy is from generation to generation. (Neville Reid, 23 October 2016)
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Luke 1:56-80 – A Horn of Salvation
As Zechariah's son is born and his voice is restored, he sings a great song of praise to the coming Saviour. (Neville Reid, 30 October 2016)
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Luke 2:1-20 – To you is born a Saviour
The shepherds witness a sound and light phenomenon; they fulfil their evangelistic mission, but their good news gets buried. Nevertheless, a saviour is given, "to you". (Erik Pattison, 6 November 2016)
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Luke 2:21-39 – Faithful people, young and old
A young couple, Joseph and Mary, and two very old people, Simeon and Anna, go to the Temple, and though nothing special usually happens there, they receive a wonderful message. They are an example to us all. (Roy Scarsbrook, 13 November 2016)
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Luke 2:40-52 – The Submission of the Son of God
The gospels give us only one incident during the transition from God present in a baby to God present in a man. This teaches us about him and about ourselves. (Neville Reid, 20 November 2016)
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Luke 3:1-20 – A Voice in the Wilderness
John the Baptist's message was heavy on judgment. Why does Luke call it "good news"? How does it still challenge us today? (Erik Pattison, 27 November 2016)
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Luke 3:21-38 – Jesus, the Beloved Son
Jesus began his public ministry with baptism. What did this mean for him, and what do we make of the extraordinary response from heaven? (Neville Reid, 4 December 2016)
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Luke 4:1-14 – Tested in the Desert
Jesus had to be tested, as the first creation was tested. He alone succeeds, and shows us the glory of God. (This is a long recording as it includes questions at the end. – Erik Pattison, 11 December 2016)
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Luke 4:14-30 – Jesus' Mission to the Helpless
This passage is often read as a political manifesto, calling us to help the poor; but is that really what it means? (Neville Reid, 18 December 2016)
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Luke 4:31-44 – What are Your Demons?
Luke records Jesus casting out demons as a prominent part of his ministry. What does this mean, and what are the "demons" from which Jesus sets us free today? (Neville Reid, 8 January 2017)
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Luke 4:42–5:11 – Go away from me, Lord
Peter responded to Jesus' miracle, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." He saw something more remarkable than the great catch of fish: he saw the essence of Christianity. (Erik Pattison, 15 January 2017)
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Luke 5:17-26 – Friend, your sins are forgiven you
More precious than a miraculous healing, Jesus declares forgiveness of sins. Why does he choose a paralysed man for this blessing? What does the "cheek" of the supporters say to us? (Neville Reid, 29 January 2017)
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Luke 5:27-39 – New start, new disciple, new religion
For every one who will follow him, Jesus brings us to a crisis of obedience. After that we will never be the same again. When God is doing such new things, let us rejoice, and not insist on keeping to old ways. (Erik Pattison, 5 February 2017)
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Luke 5:36-6:11 – Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus astonished everybody by claiming to be Lord of the Sabbath. This is far-reaching – it means he is even Lord of your conscience. (Erik Pattison, 12 February 2017)
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Luke 6:12-16 – Why did Jesus appoint apostles?
As opposition grows, Jesus chooses some of his disciples for a special role. What drove him to do this? Do the apostles still matter? And if so, do we need apostles today? (Neville Reid, 19 February 2017. This is a long recording because it includes a Q&A time at the end of the sermon.)
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Luke 6:17-26 – The Joy of Missing Out
"Blessed are you who are poor." Being a disciple of Jesus may cause us to miss out on some things that the world delights in, but it also makes us rich beyond measure. (Neville Reid, 26 February 2017. Again, the recording includes Q&A.)
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Luke 6:27-49 – The Marks of the Kingdom
The New Israel in Action: Jesus is creating a new people of God, and has been setting aside the old Jewish distinctives (e.g. food and Sabbath laws). What then will mark out his new people as different? (Erik Pattison, 5 March 2017)
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Luke 7:1-17 – Great faith
Here we meet the only person in the gospels who amazed Jesus in a good way. Even more surprising, we find that many of us are like him. (Neville Reid, 12 March 2017)
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Luke 7:36-50 – Forgiven, as her great love has shown
Luke describes a memorable occasion when a religious person and an embarrassing visitor meet Jesus. Only one of them ends in a good place. We are in danger of being like the wrong one. (Neville Reid, 26 March 2017. This recording does not include the Bible reading; you can read it here)
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Luke 8:1-21 – Hear the word of God and do it
The Parable of the Sower is a familiar story, but Luke gives it added bite by placing it with some of Jesus' other short teachings. When God is at work in a person, Jesus expects it to show. (Neville Reid, 2 April 2017)
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Luke 8:22-25 – Where is your faith?
The storms of life are a training school for the disciples – and for us. (Neville Reid, 7 May 2017)
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Luke 8:26-39 – Tell how much God has done for you
After the storm, Jesus is confronted by a violently demonised man. The Lord wonderfully heals him, but the people still want Jesus to go away. Jesus does not let the man leave with him; instead, he gives him – and us – one little thing to do. (Neville Reid, 14 May 2017)
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Luke 8:40-56 – Touches, human and divine
What did it mean to touch Jesus, and to be touched by him? (Roy Scarsbrook, 21 May 2017)
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Luke 9:1-11 – Clash of Kingdoms
Herod was worried – and was more right than he knows. The Kingdom of God in our hearts spoils us for the kingdoms of this world, and for our old culture. (Erik Pattison, 28 May 2017)
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Luke 9:10-17 – Jesus feeds his people in the desert
The Feeding of the 5,000 is a famous miracle, but what is it all about? (Neville Reid, 4 June 2017. This was a family service, and there is more background noise than usual.)
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Luke 9:18-27 – Deny self to follow Christ
Who do you say Jesus is? Nothing has a greater effect on how we live our own lives. (Neville Reid, sermon at Bow Baptist Church, 5 August 2018. The message on this passage at the Lighthouse was not recorded.)
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Luke 9:28-36 – The Secret Glory of God's Son
Peter, James and John were permitted to see Jesus' glory – not added to him, but revealing what was otherwise hidden during his life on earth. (Erik Pattison, 18 June 2017)
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Luke 9:37-56 – The low road to greatness
Down from the mountain, Jesus expressed frustration at his disciples – "Unbelieving and perverse generation!" May we learn to take the low road with him. (Neville Reid, 25 June 2017)
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Luke 9:57-62 – Jesus the Extremist
Jesus responds to willing followers by making extreme demands. It was an unusual time, so how do these words still challenge us? (Erik Pattison, 2 July 2017)
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Luke 10:1-24 – The Privilege of Knowing God
"You lucky people!" Miracles may make us happy for a while, but knowing God brings lasting joy that has no end. (Neville Reid, 9 July 2017)
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Luke 10:17-24 – Experiencing revelation
A closer look at God's gift of revealing himself to us, and how we experience him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Erik Pattison, 16 July 2017)
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Luke 10:25-37 – Seek mercy, have mercy
We know we are supposed to love, but we feel like asking: how much love is enough? Jesus challenges us all with the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Neville Reid, 23 July 2017. Includes a long Q&A time at the end.)
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Luke 10:38-42 – Martha's big mistake – How to do better
People often say the contrast between Martha and Mary is an example of work-life balance, but it isn't. Jesus says Martha has made the wrong choice, and he shows no sympathy for her. Why? How can we avoid making her mistake? (Erik Pattison, 30 July 2017. Includes Q&A.)
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Luke 11:1-4 – Pointers for prayer
How should we pray? Throw away the rule book; all Jesus gave us in "the Lord's Prayer" are a few bullet points. (Erik Pattison, 6 August 2017. Includes an edited version of a long question and answer time)
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Luke 11:1-13 – How much more will your Father in Heaven give
We pray so little; do we think it is not worth the time? Jesus counters all our doubts. (Neville Reid, 13 August 2017)
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Luke 11:14-36 – Whoever is not with me is against me
Divisive talk! Why is this necessary? (Neville Reid, 21 August 2017)
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Luke 11:33-36 – Let your eyes light up your body
What are we doing with the light we receive? We must let it shine into every corner of our lives. If we tuck it away, we are in danger of turning light into darkness. (Erik Pattison, 3 September 2017)
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Luke 11:37-54 – A sharp conflict – and still it continues
Jesus is intentionally confrontational to his religious hosts. We need to understand what made this necessary – as it still is today. (Erik Pattison, 25 August 2017. Includes Q&A)
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Luke 12:1-12 – Whom should I fear?
We live in fear of other people – but fear of God sets us free. (Neville Reid, 10 September 2017. Includes Q&A about the unforgivable sin)
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Luke 12:13-34 – Be rich towards God, and do not worry
Do.Not.Worry. Is Jesus serious? Yes – and he tells us to watch out for greed getting hold of us too. Seek God's kingdom, trust in him, and give to people who need help today. (Neville Reid, 17 September 2017. There was a long Q&A at the end, including questions about pensions!)
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Luke 12:49-59 – Jesus the troublemaker
Jesus was announced by angels as the peace bringer, so why does he say he brings discord? Where does the hostility come from, and what must we do about it? (Erik Pattison, 1 October 2017)
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Luke 13:1-9 – Tragedies and disasters
What are we to make of terrible things that happen in the world? (Erik Pattison, 8 October 2017)
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Luke 13:10-30 – Make every effort to enter through the narrow door
Jesus tells us there will be big surprises about who is in the Kingdom of God, and who is out. Make it your top priority to be sure. (Neville Reid, 15 October 2017)
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Luke 13:31-35 – How I have longed to gather you
Who are the good guys in Jesus' time, or indeed in ours? (Neville Reid, 22 October 2017)
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Luke 14:1-24 – Jesus at a posh party
Social climbing and self-promotion may be necessary in this world, but they will get you nowhere in the Kingdom of God. Are you coming to God's party? (Erik Pattison, 29 October 2017. This recording does not include the Bible reading; you can read it here)
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Luke 14:25-35 – Do you value Jesus above all?
Jesus challenges us in the starkest terms to count the cost, if we would be one of his people. (Neville Reid, 5 November 2017)
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Luke 15:1-32 – Jesus searches recklessly for sinners
Jesus' conduct was intensely annoying to the religious people of his time. They could not understand the mystery that God seeks and forgives sinners. Do we? (Erik Pattison, 12 November 2017)
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Luke 16:1-31 – Jesus, the wealthy and money
Jesus told two more hard-hitting parables about rich people, and warned us again that we cannot serve God and money. What then are we to do with money? (Erik Pattison, 19 November 2017. Includes a long Q&A time at the end)
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Luke 17:1-19 – We are unprofitable servants
Many ways of thinking encourage us to see ourselves as owed something by God. How did Jesus tell us to see ourselves, before God? (Neville Reid, 26 November 2017)
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Luke 18:1-17 – Grace to those in need
Here are two parables, and a real life story, with this in common: people who have no leverage with God. (Erik Pattison, 21 January 2018)
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Luke 18:15-34 – One thing you lack
This young man seemed so close, but there is only one way to come to God: empty-handed. This passage addresses several things we get wrong about poverty and wealth. (Erik Pattison, 28 January 2018)
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Luke 18:35-43 – Faith that Saves
When a blind beggar was calling Jesus, people told him to shut up. What are the voices telling us to be quiet, and what is at stake if we cave in to them? (Neville Reid, 4 February 2018)
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Luke 19:1-10 – The Salvation of Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus' conversion is not only striking; it's a model for our own. (Erik Pattison, 11 February 2018)
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Luke 19:10-28 – Put this to work
Seeing great injustice in this age, we cry: isn't God going to DO something? And in the meantime, what should we do? (Neville Reid, 18 February 2018)
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Luke 19:28-44 – Gladness and Sadness
Jesus' coming to Jerusalem would bring both salvation and judgment. May we be among those who welcome him, and willingly embrace the cost of doing so. (Neville Reid, 25 February 2018)
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Luke 19:45–20:8 – By what authority?
Jesus' conduct was a challenge to the high-ups in Jerusalem. When they asked him about his authority, he asked them a sharp question straight back. Where did his authority come from, and where should we look in our own times when there is such a crisis of authority? (Erik Pattison, 4 March 2018)
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Luke 20:9-19 – Rejecting Jesus
What happens when people reject God? Are we in danger of doing that? (Neville Reid, 11 March 2018)
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Luke 20:17-26 – Render unto Caesar, render unto God
People quote this enigmatic saying as if it was easy to do, but it is not. How do we live under God and under the government? (Erik Pattison, 18 March 2018)
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Luke 20:27-39 – Children of the Resurrection
Facing another trick question, Jesus gave us some pretty important teaching about what the resurrection life will be like. (Erik Pattison, 25 March 2018)
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Luke 20:40-44 – Your Christ is too small
Jesus challenged the small views that people had of the Christ – because it put them in mortal danger. A big view of Christ will save us from our fears. (Neville Reid, 8 April 2018)
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Luke 20:45–21:6 – A religion for the rich, and a poor widow
The story of the "Widow's Mite" is often used to motivate Christians to part with their money, but that is not what it is about. Out of this woman's piety, she impoverished herself for a bad cause, and nothing here says Jesus was happy with that. (Erik Pattison, 15 April 2018)
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Luke 21:5-38 – Do not fear, your redemption is near
Some people are terrified that the end of the world is upon us. What are we to make of Jesus' predictions? What should and shouldn't we be afraid of? (Neville Reid, 22 April 2018. This is a long recording because it includes a Q&A time at the end of the sermon.)
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Luke 21:37–22:23 – Who wants Jesus to die?
Judas' betrayal was not a one-off, because betrayal is the heart of sin. Beyond that, it had to happen, because the crucifixion of Jesus was the most predestined event in history. (Erik Pattison, 29 April 2018)
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Luke 22:14-23 – Given for you
What does the Lord's Supper mean, and how is it a blessing to us? (Neville Reid, 6 May 2018. Includes a long Q&A)
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Luke 22:14-38 – Three things to remember
On the night before he died, Jesus chose three things to teach his disciples, because these are essential – for them, and for us. (Erik Pattison, 13 May 2018)
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Luke 22:39-46 – The agony of the Son
The Gospel writers emphasise the anguish that Jesus went through. What does this tell us about who he is, and how is this vital for our salvation? (Neville Reid, 20 May 2018)
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Luke 22:39-62 – Three characters to learn from
God is interested in who we really are. May we all take to heart what we can learn from the three persons contrasted here. (Erik Pattison, 27 May 2018)
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Luke 22:63–23:25 – The justice of mankind, and the mercy of Christ
Jesus faced men who condemned him to death even though he had done nothing wrong. Humanity condemns itself, and it is Jesus who is the real judge – yet he brought mercy, not judgment. (Neville Reid, 3 June 2018)
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Luke 23:26-49 – The last words of Jesus
Luke records four things that Jesus said as he was being crucified. Unlike some at the moment of death, he was not looking back, but into the future – for himself and his hearers. (Erik Pattison, 10 June 2018)
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Luke 23:50–24:12 – The empty tomb
How does Luke expect us to believe such a far-fetched thing as someone rising from the dead? (Neville Reid, 17 June 2018)
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Luke 24:13-35 – Hope reborn
Jesus had a purpose in making his appearances to people in such subtle ways. We may think we believe, and yet fail or even resist truly to hope in God; but he is at work to overcome our resistance, and create hope that is forever. (Erik Pattison, 24 June 2018)
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Luke 24:33-53 – Faith and doubt
Even when face-to-face with the risen Jesus, the disciples still had their doubts. How did Jesus react, and where does this leave us? (Neville Reid, 1 July 2018)
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Luke 24:44-53 – God's great purposes
"He opened their minds to understand the scriptures." What is the big picture, and how does this help us through the jolts and hurts of our lives? (Neville Reid, 8 July 2018)
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