Media

The handwashing incident in Mark 7 illustrates how God is concerned with matters of the heart not matters of our hands. Revd Graham Coldman challenges us to ask ourselves - In what ways am I allowing my understanding of faith in Christ to change the attitudes of my heart? Do I have a heart of stone or of flesh? Do I have a new heart?

Revd Graham Coldman teaches us a Greek word Euangelion which translates to good news or gospel. First century Jews would have been familiar with the idea of a saviour bringing good news - Isaiah 52v7. Mark’s gospel opens with the announcement of Jesus bringing good news; the significance of this would have been clear to the listeners. Jesus’ message was good news for those who heard it and received it – it was a different story for those who heard it and rejected it. How will you respond to the euangelion?

Revd Graham Coldman shows us the importance of understanding the context and backstory of Matthew’s Gospel, the first 2 chapters are inspirational not informational. Matthew uses symbols to link back to Israelite history and Old Testament stories that would have been well understood by his listeners. As we hear the familiar nativity story, look for something you’ve not seen before, and ask, “why is it there?” Like Joseph what am I being asked to trust for this Christmas? Can I say “Emmanuel” God is with me?

Revd Graham Coldman explores what is meant for a first century Christian to offer themself as a living sacrifice. How can you follow the message of Romans 12, to live a life worthy of your calling, not to die a martyr, but to live life a sacrificial life, transformed by the power of God, working in and through you.

Amongst other characteristics of the Lord’s servant in Isaiah 42, verse 3 tells us “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.” Revd Graham Coldman asks us to consider how we have been bruised – broken relationships, ill-health, toxic work environment… Isaiah reminds us that the Lord’s servant will rescue the bruised, the wounded. the damaged. He has purpose and meaning for our lives; turn to him and allow him to rescue you.

Revd Graham Coldman explores the prophetic message of Isaiah 35. The focus is on how God wants to restore and heal his people, to give them all they need for a fulfilled life through relationship with him. We see the fulfilment of these prophesies in Jesus – he gives the “living water”, he is “the Way”. On the day of Pentecost, God sent his Holy Spirit to empower us to live the life he called us to; to be his voice, his hands and his feet in the place he has put us.

Revd Graham Coldman leads an all age service through Isaiah 7, The Sign of Immanuel.

Graham goes through Luke 23 v50-56 and 24 v1-12, showing the referrences and disbelief in the resurrection of Jesus.

Graham goes through Luke 19 v28-44, the Palm Sunday story.

Revd Graham Coldman sets the context for the moving story of the prodigal son. Jesus introduces the story with two illustrations, the first about a lost sheep and then another about a lost coin. The prodigal son is really a story of two lost sons and is full of outrageous events. The big challenge for us is to consider where are we in that story and our relationship with the father. Father God never gives up on us, are we ready to be found?