Between Pickups

Rev. John completes the series on being Compelled by the Spirit to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Readings: 2 Corinthians 5v11-15 and Acts 8v26-40.

Rev. John explores the difference between these two roles of Jesus in our lives. The readings were Philippians 3v17-21 and Acts 2v29-39.

John picks up the sermon series that started at the end of September - Compelled - named after the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland's theme. This sermon considers how we are to be contagious Christians as the Gospel changes our lives and is seen in how we live in the world. The readings were Matthew 5v13-16 and Acts 9v36-43 (read in the sermon).

John continues the series from the President's theme 'Compelled', as he delves into how we are called to be brave in sharing the Gospel. The first part is the children's talk about being brave as we thought about Joshua 1v1-9.  The second part is the sermon looking at Peter and John's courage that challenged and astonished the religious authorities of their day from Acts 4v1-22. May God bless you and give you courage.  Amen.

Rev. John opens up a series of sermons inspired by the Methodist Church in Ireland's President's theme for the year - Compelled.  Thanks to the people who provided the ideas for the series. This sermon considers the call to all disciples of Jesus to share the Gospel as his witnesses.

Between Pickups extra is an additional series of my sermons.  In this episode of BP extra I preach through the early years of Joseph's life and how, through them, he learned where his privilege came from and how to use it best for God. Refs: Genesis 37-41 for an overview of Joseph's early life. Genesis 37v23-36 and Luke 18v9-14 were the passages in the service. (There was a bird at a window part way through the recording of the sermon, just in case you hear a little blip in the recording - that was the cause of it!!)

Between Pickups extra is an additional series of my sermons.  In this first episode of BP extra I preach about the transformation in Jacob's life and the pivotal moment that brought about that change. Refs: Genesis 25-32 for an overview of Jacob's life. Genesis 28v10-22 and Ephesians 2v1-5 were the passages in the service.

John is back after an unplanned break and considers the wonder of resurrection, the guarantee of resurrection thanks to Jesus, and the waiting for resurrection and life everlasting with Him.

John explores the hope that believing in the resurrection of Jesus brings, with reference to Holllywood movies, Lee Strobel, Ricky Gervais, and the apostle Paul. If you'd like to take part in the resurrection stories, just leave a message and I'll get in touch. Lee Strobel's book is called The case for Christ - the biopic is of the same title.

John shares a short story that illustrates the incredible gift of the cross to us all.  Happy Easter, everyone.

John explores how lent can teach us about reliance and dependency on God, through our experience of the storm in January and the premier example of marriage.

John explores Job's resilence and faithfulness, and share honestly about how it feels sometimes to go through tough times and hear truth from God's Word that doesn't marry with our current experience.

John continues his Lenten reflections and looks out from our own situation to the world around us, reflecting on God's heart and desire for the world as seen through the Bible.

John invites you to pause as he does some reflective digging for deeper blessings than the ones he abstained from for Lent; all with the help of some Proverbs and St. Patrick's breastplate.

In this episode John asks the question; from where do we get our pleasure or joy?  He explores how Lent should make us more joyful and how it can also lead us to greater enjoyment of God.

John starts series 3 with an overview of what is to come, the announcement of a change for this series, and an introduction to Lent and how it could be a useful practice for us to develop our faith in Jesus more.

John shares a little about what's been taking up his time on circuit before reciting a poem he wrote last year for Christmas day - 'When Jesus came'.

John shares some thoughts from two Christmas songs as he journeys through Advent. 

John is joined by Michael Briggs for another 'Faith and...' conversation.  This time they speak about immigration; looking at the Bible for examples and lessons that it teaches to help us have this conversation well or at least better.

John is joined by past contributors, Caitlin Kelly, Mark Hand, and Naomi Armstrong to give ideas, thoughts, and recommendations for this Advent season as we lead up to Christmas.  Hopefully, they are helpful.  I've added links below to the songs, but please listen to the episode to hear why they have been recommended. Thorns in the straw https://youtu.be/bv9sJ1s8Sik  Prepare him room https://youtu.be/KO4a0ky0Kc8  Get me through December https://youtu.be/zqaUk3pTnz4  O come, all ye unfaithful https://youtu.be/C-QHbpYjuIg 

John speaks with Naomi Armstrong (YouthLink NI) about her faith, work and favourite story of Jesus.   Its wonderful when different aspects of the same story speak so distinctly to different people.  Enjoy 

John is joined by Michael Briggs to have a conversation about AI - the concerns and hopes surrounding it and whether we can really trust what is real anymore.  Michael has an article in the Methodist Newsletter that discusses it further - if you'd like to think about this more.

John shares about his experiences personally and pastorally with people affected by dementia.  He introduces some scriptures that have helped him (and still do help him) with the questions we have that surround dementia for people of faith. Here's a link to a useful blog by Tricia Williams (Ph.D) for further reading if you are keen to consider this more: https://faithinlaterlife.org/news-blog-what-happens-to-faith-when-christians-get-dementia/ 

John welcomes Courtney Randall back to the podcast from the first series.  They have a conversation about faith in Christ and one of the stories of Jesus that is speaking to Courtney particularly in these days.

John speaks with his good friend, Alan, about Alan's journey of faith in Jesus, and what story of Jesus is currently speaking powerfully to him.

John and Caitlyn (Kintsugi Hope) continue their conversation about the dynamics of faith and mental health. Once again, this episode contains topics that might be harder for you to listen to so please listen with care. https://kintsugihope.com/ 

John is joined by Caitlyn Kelly from Kintsugi Hope for the first of two conversations on often tricky dynamic of faith and mental health.  It's an open and honest conversation that may bring up some subjects that are difficult for you, so please be aware. https://kintsugihope.com/ 

John is joined by Christian Arnold, a New International missionary from Florida serving in Londonderry/Derry, to chat about Halloween and how we might engage with it as Christians.

John realises he has bitten off more than he can chew to squeeze these 4 chapters into 3 episodes but it turns into a reflection about reading all of Scripture not just the favourite parts.  

John thinks through the pitfalls of not listening well and the risks of taking things on face-value rather than their deeper intent.

John shares about a quandary he has with variations in the translation of a beloved verse in Isaiah 40.   Here's the song I refer to: https://youtu.be/K3TYG7Q_fj4 

On this episode, John is joined by Dr. Daniel Bowman Jr. who is an author and professor in the American midwest.  Daniel is also autistic and has written about how faith and autism intersect.  His memoir, 'On the Spectrum' was significant in helping me appreciate more how an autistic mind tries to navigate the world and the church. You can find more out about Daniel's work here including his book: https://www.danielbowmanjr.com/ 

John reflects on the last characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit - self-control - wrapping up this mini series within series 2.

John reflects on faithfulness as he thinks about his Dad and Hosea.

John examines the characteristic of gentleness from an example in his own life and one seen in Jesus' life (John 8v1-11).

John returns to the 'Faith and...' episodes by have a conversation with Jennifer Gault about autism - particularly from the perspective of being a parent of a child with autism.

As John examines the characteristic of goodness, he takes a whirlwind tour through the Good Samaritan, Jesus' meeting with the rich young ruler, and Genesis 1 and 3.

John explores the next characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit, kindness and challenges us all to consider how it looks when it is offered to everyone.

John continues the series on the Fruit of the Spirit but this time in conversation with Mark Hand, a youth worker in Lurgan who has a young family.  Hope you enjoy listening in to our conversation about patience.

This episode breaks from the Fruit of the Spirit series to introduce a new format of episode under the theme of 'Faith and...'  Different topics with fill in the dots and for this first one the theme is education. John enjoys a conversation with Dr. Anita Gracie about the changing look of faith education and its place in schools, and an interesting distinction is drawn through their discussion.

John explores the next part of the fruit of the Spirit - peace.  He dips in to how inner peace and social peace are derived from divine peace, that peace of the soul we all crave.

John explores the second part of the fruit of the Spirit and what sets it apart from other joys we know.

John opens up the series with an introduction to the fruit of the Spirit and a brief look at love.

John introduces the upcoming series and shares a little about his promise to practice fasting.

In this final episode of the series John explores why we are asked to practice fasting.  He also makes a pledge to fast and invites you to join him (if you don't have underlying medical conditions that would make fasting unwise). Please also check out some advice on how to fast.  Here is a link from the Methodist Church in Ireland that might help: https://bit.ly/4b24IoC 

John explores the other side of the conversation and why listening is such a vital part of the practice of prayer. Link to Praying like monks, living like fools - https://www.eden.co.uk/praying-like-monks-living-like-fools-tyler-staton/  Also available with other retailers.

John introduces the practice of prayer as inspired by the spiritual practices Jesus speaks about in Matthew 6.  John explores why Jesus asks us to pray and even expects us to, then Paula Lough (IMYC) shares a number of prayer ideas that we can use as we are on the go. For digital copies of the ideas and a couple more click here: https://bit.ly/3XrA1px 

John and Courtney continue their conversation about spiritual practices as they zoom in on Jesus' teaching from Matthew 6 on giving.

In this introductory episode on spiritual practices found in Matthew 6, John welcomes Courtney Randall to the podcast to help think through what spiritual practices are and why we focus on some more than others.

John is welcomes Ruth back as she shares some thoughts from Psalm 23.