Colin Smith
Learning from the Baptism of Jesus
Learning from the Baptism of Jesus
by Colin Smith
This reflection/sermon (900 words) considers a number of understandings of the Baptism of Jesus. The possibility that it could, at least partially, be allegorical is examined, and conclusions drawn. How such a consideration can have a devotional and lifestyle impact is suggested.
Jesus anointed with perfume
Jesus anointed with perfume
by Colin Smith
This reflection /short sermon (680words) considers the action of Mary in anointing Jesus with very expensive perfume. Judas’s questioning Jesus’s response in praising her for the act is considered, in the light of the prevalent teaching on how the treatment of the poor should be …
John 1:1-5 A reflection
John 1:1-5 A reflection
by Colin Smith
This short 550 word reflection considers the fascinating, but puzzling opening verses of John's gospel. It has been used both as a short Christmas sermon and a small group discussion starter. The” Word” is identified with “The Logos”, a concept from Greek philosophy, which would …
Reflections on Remembrance
Reflections on Remembrance
by Colin Smith
This reflection (923 words) has been successfully used as a short sermon for remembrance day. It invites us to to remember both past and present conflicts and how they affect us today. As well as the suffering of many members of our armed forces past and present, other more recen…
Reflections on the Bible
Reflections on the Bible
by Colin Smith
This reflection/sermon (1020 words) reminds us of the origin and importance of the Bible to Christians. It relates to St Paul's advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16, and suggests that it is much more than a historical document and moral guide. Thus, it identifies other important …
Are you creative?
Are you creative?
by Colin Smith
This short reflection/sermon (534words) explores human creativity and its origin in God's action in creation. The Christian working creatively with God in building the kingdom is seen as the ideal outcome of a relationship with Him. This short reflection/sermon explores human cr…
True for you
True for you
by Colin Smith
This short reflection/sermon (786 words) considers how truth should figure in Christian Discipleship. It is compared with how truth is often seen as relative by non Christians. The case for truth being absolute is made in terms of the biblical revelation of the nature of God and …
The Bread of life (Feeding of the 5000)(sketch)
The Bread of life (Feeding of the 5000)(sketch)
by Colin Smith
This short sketch relates, in dramatic form, the events occurring when Jesus fed the 5000. Using 5 characters, a narrator and the “crowd” it is an imaginative dialogue which closely follows the Biblical account. It is a useful addition to, or replacement of the reading to the pas…
The Holy Spirit our guarantor
The Holy Spirit our guarantor
by Colin Smith
This short reflection (1270) words examines St Paul's metaphors of seal, deposit and guarantee In 1 Corinthians1:21-22.The Holy Spirit is seen as the guarantor of God's presence and love, made visible through the fruits of the spirit. The Holy Spirit is also seen as a down paymen…
Overview of Holy week (Family Worship)
Overview of Holy week (Family Worship)
by Colin Smith
This is a complete service (c700 words) which outlines the events of Holy Week. It is written in simple language and suggests hymns and songs appropriate and for all ages. The significance of each event is also indicated. It could be used any day during Holy Week, but has been su…
Palm Sunday a proclamation of kingship
Palm Sunday a proclamation of kingship
by Colin Smith
In this short reflection/sermon (880 words), the events of Palm Sunday are seen as parts of a pre-planned ceremony which amounted to Jesus proclaiming his Kingship. Later events and ceremonies in Holy week reveal the particular kind of king he was going to be. How this differed f…
Body, spirit and spirituality
Body, spirit and spirituality
by Colin Smith
This short reflection/sermon (867 words) explains our spirituality as being confined within a physical body whilst we live here on earth. God, however is not so confined but he uses us to operate in the world. Thus the importance of aligning His will to ours in building his ki…
Following Christ
Following Christ
by Colin Smith
This reflection is based upon Mark 8:34 were Jesus sets out what following him entails. Three main ideas arise from this verse namely the call of Christ, the cross of Christ and the company of Christ. each of these are considered in turn both in terms of the Biblical revelation …
Reflections on Prayer
Reflections on Prayer
by Colin Smith
These reflections (1309 words) seek to encourage people in their prayer life by considering what prayer is and what it is not. It is easily adapted to make a sermon or address. It proceeds by carefully examining five statements on prayer in the light of the biblical revelation…
The ceremonial entry into Jerusalem