A silhouette of a person sitting in prayer on a grassy hill against a vibrant sunset sky, with the text "INCREASE OUR FAITH Luke 17.5-10 #SERMONCLUB" overlaid on the image.

The great liberation of Sunday's Gospel! Luke 17.5-10 frees us from the constant pressure to always do more in our faith life. It reminds us that our value comes from simply being a child of God, not from our endless output. We are free to serve from love, not from ambition.
#SermonClub ⚓

A woman in a black T-shirt and red apron wipes her forehead. She looks exhausted. Text overlay says: "INCREASE OUR FAITH Luke 17.5-10 #SERMONCLUB"

Next Sunday's Gospel challenges us with a deeply problematic phrase: "We are worthless slaves."

This language feels offensive, but Jesus uses it to make a radical point: the Greek could just as easily mean "We are not owed anything" for doing our duty. #SermonClub

A vibrant green tree stands in a field under a clear sky, with text overlay reading: INCREASE OUR FAITH Luke 17.5-10 #SERMONCLUB

Tired of struggling for "more faith"? Jesus says "Size doesn't matter".

Next Sunday's Gospel tells us that we don't need to generate a stronger belief; we just need to act with the simple trust we have. What challenges in our lives get easier if we can trust that reassurance?
#SermonClub

A collage of diverse faces forming a background, with two hands reaching out to each other in the foreground. Overlaying the image are the words 'THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS' and 'Luke 16:19-31', along with the hashtag '#SERMONCLUB'.

The Rich Man and Lazarus isn't just a story about the afterlife; it's a call to transformation right now. It challenges us to live a life of radical generosity. This Sunday, we might reflect on how this parable's transformative emphasis can make us more compassionate, generous people. #SermonClub ⚓📕

A man in a suit talking on a phone while sitting in a private jet, with a glass of champagne and a tablet on a table beside him. The image also contains text that reads 'THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS Luke 16:19-31' and '#SERMONCLUB'."

This Sunday, we hear The Rich Man and Lazarus, a parable that holds a mirror to our own lives. The rich man's sin wasn't cruelty, but indifference. He was so consumed by his own world he failed to see the suffering right outside his door. What are we too busy to see in our own lives? #SermonClub ⚓📕

Getting ready for Sunday's Gospel, let's reflect on the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus. What makes this story so captivating? What specific details in this story are most attractive to you? #SermonClub ⚓📕

A man in a shirt and tie with his arms raised in triumph as money falls around him, against a blue sky background. Text overlay reads "THE DISHONEST MANAGER Luke 16:1-13" and "#SERMONCLUB".

The core of Sunday's Gospel is an invitation to a radically new way of life. Jesus isn't simply telling a story about money; he's calling us to a new perspective on our possessions. We're called to use "dishonest wealth" to make friends who will welcome us "into the eternal homes." #SermonClub ⚓📕

A man in glasses and a grey sweater sits at a desk with a laptop and a coffee cup, looking upwards thoughtfully with his hand on his chin. Text on the image reads: 'THE DISHONEST MANAGER Luke 16:1-13 #SERMONCLUB'.

The parable of "The Dishonest Manager" is a head-scratcher because Jesus seems to praise a man for a criminal act, challenging our ideas about morality. The passage ends with a provocative statement: “You cannot serve both God and money.” Why does this story make us so uncomfortable? #SermonClub ⚓📕

While the dishonest manager in Sunday's Gospel is far from a moral role model, Jesus highlights an attractive quality: his shrewdness. He uses his time and resources to secure his future. What does it mean to apply this same sense of urgency to our own lives and spiritual journeys? #SermonClub ⚓📕

A wooden cross draped with a red cloth stands against a dramatic red and orange sunset sky with dark clouds. In the foreground, a bare tree branch is visible on the right. Text on the image reads "HOLY CROSS DAY," "John 3.13-17," and "#SERMONCLUB.

Jesus doesn't just say, "God so loved the world..."
He says, "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world..."
What does it say when the world primarily thinks of Christians as people who are always ready to condemn? #SermonClub
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In Sunday's lessons, we get this really weird story about Moses and the bronze snake: one of the few times when the Israelites are actually COMMANDED to make a graven image. And Jesus seems to be cool with it, too—enough so to compare it to the Cross! #SermonClub 📕⚓🕯️

Sunday's Gospel lesson is about "The Cost of Discipleship" from Luke 14:25-33. It's not just a call for small changes; it's an invitation to a complete transformation. #SermonClub 📕

This image features the title "The Cost Of Discipleship" and references the biblical passage Luke 14:25-33. It also includes the hashtag "#SERMONCLUB" and "Proper 23." The image visually depicts a person carrying a large wooden cross down a snowy road, symbolizing the burden and commitment associated with discipleship.

In the Gospel lesson for next Sunday (Luke 14:25-33), Jesus says we must be willing to "hate our father and mother" and "give up everything." How do you reconcile these difficult commands with our modern understanding of family and responsibility? #SermonClub

In next Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:25-33. While the message seems difficult, what is it about Jesus's radical call that makes it so appealing? #SermonClub

"Jesus is dying of thirst crossing the Darién Gap, buried alive under the rubble of Gaza and being deported to a torture camp in El Salvador, and yet rightwing Christians like Vance are not just ignoring the Parable, they're going after all the Good Samaritans..."
1/2 📕 #SermonClub

Given this Sunday's Gospel, it's worth revisiting the Pope/Vance dust-up of earlier this year... 📕 #SermonClub

a man in a suit is talking on a cell phone Alt: a man in a suit is talking on a cell phone

Good Samaritan Law? Never heard of it! 📕
#SermonClub #WhoIsMyNeighbor #LoveTheStranger
#Seinfeld #GoodSamaritan

A black and white photo of a person lying on the ground with a "HELP" sign and a cup with coins. The image is overlaid with the Bible verse Luke 10:33. "But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion

"On only one occasion does the Hebrew Bible command us to love our neighbour, but in thirty-seven places it commands us to love the stranger."
(Jonathan Sacks) 📕
#WhoIsMyNeighbor #LoveTheStranger #Compassion #SermonClub

One more #SermonClub question about this Sunday's first lesson from 1 Kings 19.1-15a:

What's transformative in this passage? How might it change our lives if we took it seriously?

I've got my own ideas, but tell me what *you* think! ⚓📕

The second #SermonClub question about 1 Kings 19: What's challenging in the story of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel?

I'd love to hear what you think! ⚓📕

This week in #SermonClub, I'm looking at the first lesson for this Sunday: Elijah's flight to Mt. Horeb and his encounter with God there.

What's attractive in this story?
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Time for #SermonClub again! Looking at the Pentecost story in Acts 2.1-21, what do you notice that's especially attractive?

The outpouring of the Spirit on "all flesh" means this gift is for everyone. Even the most marginalised are empowered to speak on God's behalf. ⚓📕

My home parish is choosing to keep Ascension Day today instead of Jerusalem and the Middle East Sunday, or even Easter 7.

So I'll be applying my regular #SermonClub questions to *today's* Gospel, instead of last Thursday's. Taking a look at John 17.20-26 through a Pride lens... 📕🏳️‍🌈

Another #SermonClub question about next Sunday's Gospel (John 14.23-29): What is challenging in this passage? 📕

I'm not always sure what to make of 'If anyone loves me, they will keep My word' and 'Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words'.

Next Sunday's Gospel is John 14.23-29. Today's #SermonClub question is this:

🔍 What's attractive in this passage? What sounds like good news to you? 📕

This week's #SermonClub has been temporarily suspended while I try to parse the connection between "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" and "I have friends everywhere." ⚓

With all the other excitement today, I forgot to ask the third #SermonClub question: What's transformative in this coming Sunday's Gospel?

The promise that no one can snatch Christ's sheep from his hand seems to build on last week's charge to not just feed, but also care for those sheep. ⚓

Round Two of #SermonClub: What's challenging or disturbing in this Sunday's Gospel (John 10.22-30)?

I can't help but cringe a bit when Jesus says 'you are not my sheep'. Having had someone with the role of shepherd once say much the same thing to me, it hits home a bit harder than I'd like. ⚓

A #SermonClub question for those who preach:

What is particularly attractive in this coming Sunday's Gospel lesson (John 10.22-30)?

🐑 Is it the idea of a sheepfold that is both a place of welcome AND of security?
🐑 The promise of eternal life?
🐑 The idea of being deeply, intimately known?
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The third #SermonClub question is this: what strikes you as particularly transformative in Sunday's Gospel?

Three 'Do you love me' questions are a counterpoint to Peter's three denials, but Jesus's response to Peter's answers are also about vocation. Being put right with God leads to service.
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