Media

Series on "Big Issues": Same-Sex Marriage - Part 1. It's a topic which all Christian denominations are wrestling with at this time; a topic which has to be approached with pastoral sensitivity. But we cannot simply ignore it. We have to face that tension when the Bible says one thing and modern culture says another. In Part 1 we look at the Biblical background, open some avenues worth exploring and look for God's guidance, wisdom and grace.

What's in a Name? For Elijah, the Old Testament character we're looking at here, his name said it all - the Hebrew literally means 'The Lord is my God'. But when you've run away, when you're depressed, when you're hiding away in a cave ... it's a hard name to live up to. And it's the same with the name which is given to us as followers of Jesus - the name 'Christian' is sometimes a hard name to live up to.

Words we have all heard from people going through really challenging times - 'I'm really desperate!' But these are often times when God draws near to reassure and to heal. Jairus threw himself at the feet of Jesus and begged for healing for his daughter; and a woman touched the edge of the garment Jesus was wearing in the hope that she would be healed. You might be really desperate, but Jesus offers healing.

For every single one of us - there are times when life just gets too much! Sometimes it's because we're burdened by all that's happened in our past; and sometimes it's because we're anxious about an unknown future. Then the voice of Jesus speaks - "Do not be anxious about tomorrow .... Let the day's trouble be sufficient for the day." We need to learn to live 'one day at a time'.

A Reflection in Tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh - Prince Philip. There are always going to be some labels which follow us around which in no way do justice to a life of loyalty, faithfulness, support and service to others. One disciple may be commonly referred to as 'Doubting Thomas' but he was always loyal to Jesus, and to his band of followers.

Easter Sunday - a fitting conclusion to our Series on "Big Issues". What seemed to start out as a series of complex, theoretical questions about the existence of God begins to focus on a historical question - about making sense of Jesus, and the very origins of the Christian faith.

Series on "Big Issues": God and Suffering, Part 3 - "Only a Suffering God Can Help". How on earth did the cross, this implement of torture and suffering, come to be the great symbol of the Christian faith? We look at two reasons - 1. Partly because life for everyone is often difficult and tragic. 2. The cross leads to life - bound, Jesus brings us freedom; suffering and broken, he brings us healing and salvation; dying, he brings us life.

Series on "Big Issues": God and Suffering, Part 2 - Responses to Suffering. We look at the responses to suffering in both the Old and New Testaments; and then explore our own personal responses to suffering in an attitude of humility, remembering that, for many, this is not just another topic to be discussed, but a very present reality to contend with.

Series on "Big Issues": God and Suffering - Part 1. This is, without any shadow of a doubt, the most difficult question for people who believe in God - why does an all-powerful God of love allow so much suffering in our world? We introduce some of the critical issues in this first session.

Depending on how we've been brought up, perhaps images we came across when we were younger - we have different 'Pictures of God'. And there are different pictures of God in the Bible. But in the stories of Luke 15 Jesus shows us a God who is searching, who is full of love for you, and who wants to welcome you back!