Colin Smith
The atonement (Yes, but)
The atonement (Yes, but)
by Colin Smith
This short (520 words) reflection explores the meaning of “atonement” and compares the various ways in which it is explained in the Bible. Whilst noting that the most common way relies on Jesus as a substitute for us before God, it gives a brief account of other understandings.T…
Walkies! - The Emmaus road
Walkies! - The Emmaus road
by Colin Smith
This short reflection/sermon (510 words) recalls the experience of the disciples encountering Jesus when they are distressed and confused as they walk along the road to Emmaus. Its relevance to today’s journeying, or recreational walking, is identified in a way which encourages …
God's Forgiveness
God's Forgiveness
by Colin Smith
This short (505 words) reflection/ sermon considers the meaning and significance of the words “forgiveness” and “repentance” as used in the Bible. Their relationship to each other is explored and their implications in terms of God’s relationship with believers is shown to be sign…
Dealing with Disaster
Dealing with Disaster
by Colin Smith
This short (865words) reflection/sermon considers Habakkuk Chapter 3 where he bemoans at length the disasters facing himself and his people. These are largely related to the disastrous failure of crops. In the earlier chapters he is concerned about the threat of invasion and the …
Leadership -Moses and Pharaoh
Leadership -Moses and Pharaoh
by Colin Smith
This short reflection considers the motives and actions of Moses and Pharaoh prior to the Exodus. Their different leadership styles, which arise from underlying spiritual struggles are made evident. The story offers timeless lessons about the nature of leadership, the importance …
War and Peace
War and Peace
by Colin Smith
This short reflection based on Mark 13:7 considers modern day wars and our yearning for peace and understanding. The various atrocities which occur in warfare are seen as a consequence of the nature of humankind and, as such, nothing new. The Biblical way in which Human nature …
Crucified with Christ
Crucified with Christ
by Colin Smith
This short reflection (684 words) considers what Paul meant by being “crucified with Christ” It associates the crucifixion of Jesus’s body with his total surrender of both his body and his will to his heavenly father as demonstrated by Jesus in Gethsemane Fortunately we do not h…
Fatherhood and St Joseph
Fatherhood and St Joseph
by Colin Smith
This short sermon/reflection (566words) considers fatherhood for Christians today citing St Joseph as a role model especially at the time of the birth of Jesus. Though little is recorded about him after the birth there is nonetheless sufficient of his character and actions known …
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…
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