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Once a prophet pictured Israel
Once a prophet pictured Israel
by Andrew Pratt
Once a prophet pictured Israel Once a prophet pictured Israel, like a vineyard, overgrown, no more fruitful, judged and broken, left to ruin, overthrown. In the tone hear disappointment in the prophet’s call and cry, seeing bloodshed wound his nation, justice now a living lie. Ve…
In pious tones we worship God
In pious tones we worship God
by Andrew Pratt
In pious tones we worship God, with cheerful songs of praise, while all that God has sought of us is justice all our days. We sing our hymns and pray our prayers oblivious to need, while near our doors the poor will die. Ours is a hollow creed. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: WILTSHIRE M…
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - From Bad to Worse
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - From Bad to Worse
by SPCK - N T Wright
From Bad to Worse 2 Peter 2.10b-22 ‘A year or two ago I was invited to dinner with some friends, who had also invited a judge. I don’t often meet senior members of the legal profession, and I was intrigued to hear what he might say about his work. My anticipation turned to shock …
When the leaders of the nations
When the leaders of the nations
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: When the leaders of the nations Proper 26 Year A Micah 3:5-12 When the leaders of the nations feast while heaping wrong on wrong; we will lose all sense of vision, discord will pervade our song. Those who perpetrate injustice, making profit out of war... Tune: GOTT WILL’S M…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Before the Sanhedrin
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Before the Sanhedrin
by BRF - Dick France
BEFORE the SANHEDRIN Mark carefully sets the scene at the high priest’s house on a double stage: Jesus before the full council of the Sanhedrin (v. 53; note again the full listing of the dignitaries) and Peter out in the courtyard among the servants (v. 54). As the spotlight fall…
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - On Safeguarding Concord
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - On Safeguarding Concord
by SPCK - John Goldingay
On Safeguarding Concord The pest control man came the other day to check that we had no termites or other unwelcome guests. It reminded me of an experience a few weeks after we moved to California, when another Old Testament professor who was in town came for afternoon tea…
Lord of ages past remembering
Lord of ages past remembering
by Gareth Hill Publishing/Song Solutions CopyCare
Hymn – Lord of ages past remembering Lord of ages past remembering Lord of ages yet to be. Hope of every generation, yours the grace that sets us free. Thorn and cross your battle tokens symbols of a life laid down, as the hope of all the nations dies to claim us for his own. So …
Meditation - 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
Meditation - 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
by David Middleton
Meditation – 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A A new road Matthew 11: 2-11 and Isaiah 35: 1-10 Tell me, are you the Messiah? Although my circumstances are nothing like John’s, sometimes when I feel alone, and the going is hard, convictions once firmly held seem to evaporate. I turn to …
Poem: Signs of the times
Poem: Signs of the times
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Signs of the times Couldn’t they see the signs? Why didn’t they understand the disruption that Jesus had brought, would bring? This good news was bound to set the world on fire; bound to cause division amongst families; bound to turn the world on its head. Continues... ©Mar…
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 33:11, 14, 20
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 33:11, 14, 20
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 33:11, 14, 20 This psalm comes to a crescendo with a psalm of praise to the heart of God. His word is true, his works are faithful, he loves justice, he’s made the earth full of goodness and oceans full of treasure. These are just some of the signs of the providence that fl…
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 94:15, 19
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 94:15, 19
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 94:15, 19 The heart is scarred by sorrow when we see the casualties of injustice. Righteousness is both personal and social. It speaks of and to an individual’s dealings with others; it also refers to structures and systems that emerge from and affect the whole of society. …
Reflection: Royalty
Reflection: Royalty
by Marjorie Dobson
Psalm 99 Reflection: Royalty In our so-called civilised world, evil leaders rule with cruelty, violence and a total disregard for the welfare of their people. Other, manipulative people prefer to be the power behind their leader’s throne and use cunning, political scheming, bribe…
Prayer: Ever-present God
Prayer: Ever-present God
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Ever-present God Ever-present God, at this time of Advent this is our prayer for others, that they may discover your presence in their world and in their lives in this special season. Many people live in situations that are devoid of hope; that are steeped in poverty; tha…
At this time of New Year
At this time of New Year
by Marjorie Dobson
At this time of New Year, when we wish happiness to everyone we meet, the Psalmist helps us to focus our minds on those who are in real need. We think of those whose New Year is not a time for celebration. We think of those who have not been able to afford to buy lavish gifts for…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - Proper 1 Year A
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - Proper 1 Year A
by SPCK - N T Wright
Proper 1 - Year A Isaiah 58.1–12 1 Corinthians 2.1–16 Matthew 5.13–20 Isaiah’s stinging rebuke contains the seeds of the Sermon on the Mount. True piety must be part of the outward movement to share your blessing with the world. Fasting is useless if injustice goes unchecked. L…
Here in cosmic signs and symbols