Stand and fight! Ephesians 6:10 - 17, Luke 13: 10 - 17

So walk in the Light. Ephesians 5:8-19, Luke 18:35-43

The Lord's directions are very simple. Ephesians 4:1-7, Luke 18:18-27

Ephesians 2:14-22, Luke 12:16-21.

So what is the right question, and what is the right answer? 2 Corinthians 9: 6- 11, Luke 10: 25 - 37.

Galatians 6: 11- 18

Luke 8: 41-56 How fervent are your prayers?

Revealed in him. Galatians 1: 11- 19, Luke 8: 26 - 39 (There's often a mistranslation in Galatians 1: 16. It often says God the Father revealed His Son "to" St. Paul, but it really says "in" St Paul.)

To you has been given... Titus 3:8-15, Luke 8: 5-15

2 Corinthians 9: 6- 11, Luke 7: 11-16. St. Luke and St Paul have views on this.

Love your enemies. 2 Corinthians 6:16 - 7:1, Luke 6:31 - 36.

There is a hidden idol in your home! Galatians 2:16 - 20 Mark 8: 34 - 9:1

Galatians 6:11-18, John 3:13-17 The Exultation of the Cross.

Sometimes, people just need to lie down. 1 Corinthians 16: 13- 24, Matthew 21: 33- 42.

There's a fix to this. 1 Corinthians 15: 1 - 11, Matthew 19: 16 - 26.

Let it go... 1 Corinthians 9: 2 - 12, Matthew 18: 23 - 35.

This was not what the disciples expected. 1 Corinthians 4: 9 - 16 Matthew 17: 14 - 23

You will do well to pay attention to this says Apostle Peter. 2 Peter 1: 10 - 19, Matthew 17: 1 - 9

The focus of our lives when living with others. St Paul's Advice. Romans 15: 1- 7

Just as the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council did. Titus 3: 8-15, Matthew 5: 14-19

It's shockingly terrifying! Romans 10: 1- 10, Matthew 8: 28 - 9:1

The Mercy Seat, which is Christ Jesus. Hebrews 9: 1 - 7, Matthew 8: 5 - 13

And His Righteousness and all this will be added to you. Romans 5: 1- 10, Matthew 6: 22- 33.

The Requirements of the Law written upon their hearts. ROMANS 2:10-16 MATTHEW 4:18-23

What sort of person becomes a saint and what do they all have in common? Hebrews 11: 33 - 12:2, Matthew 10: 32 - 38, 19: 27 - 30

Does God want you to have a big car, a successful career, a loving spouse, and beautiful children? Acts 20: 16 - 18, 28 - 36 John 17: 1-13

Acts 26: 1, 12-20, John 9: 1-38 Utterly blind and now seeing Christ-God face to face. You too.

Yuk! Horrible people from horrible places! Acts 11:19-30, John 4:5-42

What happened at the House of Loving Kindness? The Lord has the same plan for you! Acts 9:32 -42, John 5: 1 - 5

Menial service turns out not to be menial at all. Acts 6: 1 - 7, Mark 15: 43 - 16: 8

Don't let your prayers be little and timid but straight from your heart. 2 Corinthians 6: 16 - 18, 7:1 Matthew 15: 21 - 28

...and Thy Holy Resurrection We Glorify! Hebrews 4: 14 16, 5: 1 6, Mark 8:34 - 9:1

As it turns out, she isn't the dog in this story.

As Holy Week begins, Fr. Philip gives the hopeful perspective.

Wars, cruelty, pandemic, natural disasters, even inflation. So what does the Lord say? "You ain't seen nothing yet!"

The feast of the fast

But turn the question around. Hebrews 9: 11 - 14

The Apostles came to the Lord to ask Him to solve the situation. He turned the problem back on them! Matthew 14: 14 -22

Don't apply within. You already have the job!

Astonished by what she finds out she cannot wait to tell others. So what do we do?

Cracking the rocks - opening the tomb! The Resurrection.

Judas or Mary - your choice.

It's for them.

Coming to Christ can be a painful experience.

The most beautiful throne of all.

Get up, take your bed and go home. Mark 2: 1-12

What was Nathaniel doing under his fig tree? You need to do the same!

Don't try this on with God: He doesn't like it. Mark 2:23 - 3:5

Rather than zapping us, God choses to fix us.

God won't, you can't. Together He will and you are made able.

Rejoice? The Archangel tells Mary that God intends to turn her life upside down and inside out! Then he goes away! Rejoice?

Faith, prayer and fasting each strengthen the other two ... but don't expect it to be painless.

Point out one thing in your house that will still be yours in 100 years from now.

Fr. Philip Hall says that with evangelism, sometimes you just have to get on with it (no matter how sceptical your audience).

It is amazing how creative people can be: did you know that you can transform yourself into a goat or a sheep? Matthew 25: 31-46

The good townsfolk of Jericho, the Pharisee (who did everything just right) and now the obedient and hardworking older brother - none of them went to the party. Ooops!

Zaccheus does something unexpected.

The Lord shines into the place of greatest darkness.

On the Sunday when in Britain we remember those killed annd brutalised in war we look to see what God's Kingdom is like.

What if you had everything but no one could remember your name? What is you had nothing but God knows who you are? One day we will each have nothing.

Strip away all that is filthy of flesh and spirit.

As St Paul says "Let all your things be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16: 14

So What had the other nine apostles been getting up to?

The Apostle Peter witnessed the Transfiguration and wanted it to stay there but God the Father had other plans.

Those blind men knew how to use their lungs and they certainly knew how to pray. Matthew 9: 27-35

In the old prison in Lincoln, England there is a notice which says "The Wages of Sin is Death!" That is much less than half the story.

Priceless fashion. Yours for the asking. Matthew 6: 22-33

Who follows Christ and who stays behind?

How to become a Saint. Focus on Jesus Christ.

St. Luke shows us that the Lord is real - not imagined - flesh and bones, the disciples can handle him and he can eat with them. Acts 1: 1-12, Luke 24: 36-53.

The Man born blind didn't know much but what he did know he shared.

Make the Resurrection your own. The Apostle Thomas wanted to put his hand into Christ - you must put Him on.

The Paralysed man's friends didn't hesitate to bring him to the feet of the Saviour. Don't hesitate to bring yourself to Him either. Don't neglect so great a salvation.

The Lord invites you to follow Him and the Church invites you to come and see, and if you are going to accept these invitations then you have to get moving.

You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

Take a forensic look at yourself as we come towards Great Lent. Luke 18: 9-14

Zacchaeus realised that his repentance needed to be grounded in his bank account!

St. Matthew says "From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” " (Mtt 4:17) This word "Repent" is in the present tense and is a command so the Lord is continuing to tell us all to repent (for the kingdom of heaven is still near).

St. Luke (2: 20-21, 40-52) treats us to a meditation on the two natures of Jesus Christ: Fully God - Fully Man. So does St. Paul writing to the Colossians (2: 8-12). Why? They both want you to know that your Salvation is found entirely in Him.

Please notice how positive this message is (not like so many so called "Evangelists" of the modern era). Repent and then get on and do some good works in Christ Jesus.

The Sower scattered his seeds to every part of the field—and I am every part of that field.

When is the best time to be saved? NOW!

Let that great dark void in you be filled with Light

The Apostle Peter's life changed from killing fish to saving people.

Orthodox Churches are full of Crosses. Want to know why?

Christianity is all about love.

How great is your faith? Smaller than a poppy seed? Then bring the problem to The Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ and He and you can move all sorts of mountains together. Matthew 17: 14-23 The healing of the moon-stuck boy.

In both of these Gospels St. Peter gets out of the boat. Would you? Matthew 14:22-34, John 21:7

The problem was thousands of hungry people. The disciples brought them to the Lord in prayer and had their own solution which was: "Send them away!" However, the Lord had other ideas. Matthew 14: 14-22

Did Our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ stop and turn round and attend to the two blind men? Did He open His door to them? No He did not! Did they get disheartened? No they did not! Did they give up? No they did not! Did the Lord tell them to spread the good news? No He did not! Were they obedient? No they were not! What about you? Are you persistent? (You're not?) Do you tell others the good news? (You don't?) Tut. Matthew 9: 27-35

St. Paul tells us to make use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and in the Gospel we see an example of this in action. It is obvious though that there gifts are NOT for you! Matthew 9:1-8, Romans 12: 6-14

When you compare the account of the healing of the two men with demons, with the accounts on either side of this story, you will notice two very different attitudes of those who came before the Lord in their attitude to prayer for others. Where do you fall? Matthew 8:28 - 9:1

The Roman Centurion was quite right to be hesitant about asking the Lord to visit his house.

What do you think God is like?

St. Paul called together the leaders of the Churches and warned them of the wolves to come. He reminded them that his service was at his own cost. The wolves in the Church are still there and those who make use of the Church for their own benefit are still amongst us - make sure that you are not one of them.

See what happens when we are within the Apostolic Tradition! Aeneas raised from his bed, Tabitha from her death bed, the Paralysed man of 38 years raised to his feet. Christ is risen!

St. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus go to Pilate and ask for the Bloodied Body of the Lord.

How close can you get to the moon this afternoon?

Half way! Keep on taking up you Cross and following. Third Sunday in Lent. At this stage we can begin to get tired. Mark's Gospel encourages you to keep on taking up your Cross and following Christ. Be encouraged!

St. Paul reminds us to concentrate on those things that will last for ever. Mark's Gospel today shows us that we have to work hard to come to the feet of Christ. God bless your Lenten struggle! Hebrews 1:10-2;3, Mark 2:1-12

It's only the first Sunday in Great Lent! Finding the going tough so far? Hmmm. There's a bit more to come!

You might well be fasting from flesh, but are you feasting on other people?

The father in this parable suffers a 50% loss but when God lost you both He and you suffered 100% loss.

Two people entered the Temple. One said "What a lucky God you are to have a follower like me!" The other said "What a lucky man I am to have a God like You!"

2 Corinthians 6:16 -7:1 & Matthew 15:21-28 She was possibly an idol worshipper but her persistence, love and humility and faith meant that her prayer was heard. The Apostles wanted her to go away.

God gives each of us an immense amount to work with. Our task is to double the amount by trading and taking risks with it, by making use of Grace for the Kingdom of God. The stakes are high.

The Colossians became very proud of the new and smart teaching they had and the Lepers became overwhelmed by the health they suddenly enjoyed. Both groups forgot to give thanks except the heretic Samaritan and St.Paul whom the Colossians were trying to ignore!

Are you baptised? Are you hoping to be baptised? Then this is for you!

Both St. Paul and John the Forerunner and Baptist look forward to a time when their own ministries and lives will be over. They laboured to produce a foundation on which the next in line would continue to build. Just like us.

So the Church is persecuted? Nothing new there - Herod and St. Paul both did their best to rid the world of the faith. Today the same happens but the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church though it grows smaller in some places and greater in others. Maintain Faith, never retaliate, love the enemies, pray for them.

So whilst the Magi saw a star and the shepherds saw angels what did most people see? Nothing! Just like now! So be an angel, become a star.

So how did you spend the day?

So what is it to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God?

So you're doing well are you? Ooops! Christians are required to be different.

The Rich man had a poor man sitting outside his house. So do you.

St. Paul and the one formerly called Legion give us some ideas.

The Lord speaks of a farmer who spreads his seeds all over his farm - on good and bad soil! We too need to spread His Word over the entire human population - regardless of where we might think the harvest is to be reaped.

You want a spiritual experience? You want to show off about it? Listen to what St. Paul says...

Love is something you do.

The Royal Priesthood.

You have been invited to a wedding. Make sure you get there! Matthew 22: 2-14

Watch, be steadfast in the Faith, be brave, be strong. Let everything you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 So what is at the heart of the Gospel? Did the Resurrection happen?

God forgives and so must I!

The Laity of God is called to be the Royal Priesthood. So how might that be lived out? You need to become a world transformer!

After Jesus Christ had had the 5000 men plus women and childen (a tenth of the population!) He dismissed the crowd and told the disciple to go away. He then climbed the mountain and prayed. Alone and away from worldly cares ... you too need a place to pray and to pray and to listen.

St. Paul talks about reading the Scriptures. So do you?

For whom are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The Two Demonaics were healed by the Lord but the local people asked the Lord to depart from their region. You also maight be very tempted to ask the Lord to leave you as His presence will cause real disruption in your life too.

We can be enslaved by a multitude of things, expectations and the evil one himself. Alternatively we can be slaves of Christ and receive the freedom that comes with that. "I call you my friends" He said.

To know the One True God.

The Man Born Blind is able to sum up his bit of the Gospel in twelve words. What about you? What is the Gospel to you?

St. Photini was going about her daily business - probably things had been going wrong (otherwise why would she be there at such a hot time of day?). What happened next was that her life was completely changed. You too: allow for the Lord to come to you in your everyday life - the result will be surprising!

Does anyone notice any difference in you when you've met with the Lord?

100lbs of spices - a glorious waste of spices! Your prayer and service - a glorious "waste" also but you'll find yourself experiencing the Resurrection!

Apostle Peter preached the words of this Life and Apostle John wrote that you may have Life...

Great and Holy Week starts! Find time to serve, to listen to the Lord and to pour out the oil of your purity on His feet.

The Apostles James and John came with an outrageous question! It's as if they'd learned nothing at all from their time with the Lord. So He sets abouut teaching them again...cas

The Lord said we should fast and pray.

Pray, Forgive, Fast, Give Alms, Don't Judge!

What is the quality of your love?

Keeping the Temple Pure.

Imposters and Evil Men!

Living thanksgivingly.

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to the members of the Church to equip us all for the task the Lord has set us.

The Apostle Paul tells Timothy to fulfil his ministry (his "diaconia"). That ministry was as an evangelist - someone who carries the Good News. All the Royal Priesthood of Christ are called to fulfil their diaconia too: by living the Christian life you also become an evangelist and will receive your due award.

Both Herod and Apostle Paul attempted to kill Christ Jesus. We often do also!

What the heros and forefathers of the Old Testament could only dream about is yours for the having. So Come and See!

What happens if we refuse the most important invitation ever?

The Lord invites us to come to and be healed, forgiven and made perfect as on the first Sabbath.

St. Paul teaches us that Christians are God the Father's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

As a Christian you should expect to be mocked or to be the object of disgust but the Lord will heal you. You'll not be the first to be ridiculed!

The Faith of Jesus Christ. You might not have anything else but if you dont have that you have nothing.

The Lord calls us all to work alongside Him in the Gospel. Even the most unlikely people are called. So what about you?

Death crawls down the hill but life springs towards Paradise.

Scatter the "seeds" the Lord has provided so you may increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Loving you enemy is something you do - you cannot love an enemy in theory.

The Grace of God! The very presence of God Himself! Together we work with the Lord - Him filling us with Grace and us doing his work and being filled with Grace as a result.

The Apostle Paul tells us about justification by faith of Christ who is always loving and giving himself for us.

The Apostle Paul points out that the Cross has brought "New Creation" to all who walk in the new rule of the Cross of Christ. This affects every part of your life so that now you can take garden walks with the Saviour.

But with God all things are possible—including selling, getting rid of, or putting to one side, all that prevents you following the Saviour.

So what is the Kingdom of heaven like? Do you belong to it? Well, one of the ways you can tell is this: do you forgive others? Do you give up your rights to things? Yes? Yes? Well, that is what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

Humility, obedience, listening, hearing and keeping.

All went well until St. Peter took his eyes off the Saviour.

Fr. Philip reflections on the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. "... you will do well if you take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day breaks, and the Morning Star dawns forth in your hearts."

The Saviour commmands us to feed the multitude but when we look at our own abilities and resources they are not up to the task. What can we do?

When the Lord healed the blind men's bodies and the dumb man's soul, He showed us that both are vital.

Life or pigs? Roof or health? Job or Christ? The choice is yours!

Just as the moon shines with the light of the sun so you should shine with the Light of the Son.

But what about the Gift of God? Why work so hard for death when you can have eternal life? The Centurion knew this when he came to the Saviour asking for his servant to be healed.

When the Lord calls you—respond quickly and fully—He might not ask you again! Live the faith to the full, attach yourself to Christ and become a fisher of men.

In this inaugural episode, Fr. Philip says that Saint Paul talks about faith as an endurance race where the Lord is the starter and finisher of the race.

"Saint Cosmas came from Bulgaria where his devout parents provided him with a good education in Slavonic and Greek. They wanted him to marry but he was drawn by the love of Christ and, unknown to them, made his way to the Holy Mountain of Athos to become a monk at the Bulgarian monastery of Zographou. On the feast of the Annunciation at the Monastery of Vatopedi, he saw a woman among those serving in the Church and in the refectory, and he was grieved at first to observe this breach of the monastic rule, but overjoyed when he realized that it was the Mother of God who had appeared to him in this way.   "He was clothed in the holy angelic Habit and, after some time, was ordained priest. One day, as he was praying before the icon of the Mother of God, asking her with tears how to achieve his salvation, he heard a voice saying, 'Let my servant withdraw to the desert outside the monastery.' He was obedient to the will of God and, with the blessing of his Abbot, lived in silence from then on. Some years later, he was found worthy of the grace of discernment of thoughts and of beholding things happening elsewhere, as well as of other spiritual gifts. In the course of many years, he was the spiritual helper of a great number of monks. At the end of his life, Christ appeared to him saying that he would shortly have a great trial to endure from the Devil. Indeed, the prince of demons made his appearance next day with a host of his servants bewailing and bemoaning their inability to annihilate their great enemy Cosmas, who had held them in check for so long and gained possession, by his virtue, of the throne in Heaven that had once been Lucifer's. Taking a heavy stick, the demon beat the Saint so violently that he left him half-dead. As God allowed, Saint Cosmas died in peace two days later, on 22 September 1323. When the fathers came from the monastery to bury him, the wild animals gathered round. They kept silent until the end of the service, but howled unusually loud as his body was covered with earth. Then having paid their respects, they made off into the wilderness. Forty days later, the monks came to take up the body of Saint Cosmas and translate it to the monastery, but it was no longer in the grave. Where it now is God alone knows." (Synaxarion)