The Real Challenge of Easter Good Friday confronts us with the horrors of the cross as we see an innocent man die. The injustice of Jesus’ trial and execution is plain to see. This means that even for those who don’t accept the message of Christianity, there can still be recognition – or even admiration […]
About Simon Clay
Psalm 72: God’s Ideal Leader
Psalm 72: God’s Ideal Leader As we near the end of the General Election campaign, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the barrage of promises and claims made by various political parties. Amidst the noise, it can be challenging to focus on what truly matters. Turning to the Bible for guidance is always a wise […]
How big are your prayers?
How big are your prayers? Jon’s recent talk challenged us to pray big and extra-ordinary prayers. Simon looks at how God’s actions can inspire us to do this instead of praying safe prayers. I love reading the Bible. I find it inspirational to read the stories of what God has done in times past. Seeing […]
When a Nation Mourns
When a Nation Mourns This week has seen momentous events in our nation including the death of Queen Elizabeth II after a reign of 70 years. As a nation we are now in a period of national mourning. As the nation mourns, what should our response as Christians be? How do we balance being part […]
Psalm 22 – The anguish & victory of the cross
Psalm 22 – The anguish & victory of the cross Towering across the ages as a permanent monument to the grace of God stands the cross of Christ. The events of Good Friday, the horrific suffering, crucifixion and death of the Son of God, are beyond description and should constantly cause us to be amazed […]
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 4: Justice
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 4: Justice In this final part of the series, Simon considers the implications of Sabbath rest in the light of God’s kingdom priorities. Sabbath helps to realign our priorities It would be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that keeping the Sabbath is just a […]
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 3: Faith
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 3: Faith Having considered the roots of Sabbath rest in creation and the exodus redemption, Simon continues our series by looking at how Sabbath rest can grow our faith. Sabbath challenges us to grow our faith As God went on to reveal His perfect law to His […]
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 2: Redemption
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 2: Redemption Following the first instalment looking at the origins of the Sabbath at creation, Simon continues with our mini-series on Sabbath rest. Sabbath reminds us of our redemption Now here I need to apologise because I rather lazily used the word ‘Sabbath’ without proper explanation in […]
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 1: Creation
What about investing in a ‘summer Sabbath’? Part 1: Creation This summer as a church we are taking an extended pause in our centrally planned and run events. Lockdown due to coronavirus has thrown up huge challenges for how we have connected and continued as a church. The usual activities have changed. The usual ways […]
The Best Love Story
The Best Love Story At this time of year there is a lot of talk about love. The shops are full of ways in which we can demonstrate our love to that special person in our lives. Too often we take on board this message and it influences our understanding of true love. It is […]
Habakkuk: Suffering & Sovereignty
Suffering & Sovereignty: A look at the message of Habakkuk Habakkuk is a fascinating little book! Tucked away in the so-called minor prophets towards the end of the Old Testament, it has a unique style and a timeless message. As a church we spent some time earlier in the year looking at its message and […]
He is alive!
He is alive! The great cry of Easter morning is, ‘He is alive!’ When Mary and her friends arrived at the tomb where Jesus’ body had been placed following the horrors of Good Friday they did not find a body to embalm. Instead they were confronted with a void occupied only by some folded grave […]