CHRISTMAS: Have You Been Good This Year? - John Lambert

Matthew 24.29-51. In the second part of chapter 24, having spoken at length about AD 70 (which was then fulfilled in remarkable detail), Jesus mostly focuses on the end of the age when he will return. What should we expect, and how should we prepare for this event, which will happen as surely in the future as Jesus' words about the destruction of the temple were fulfilled in the past? 2 February 2025.

Matthew 24.1-28. In Matthew 24, Jesus gives his disciples a sweeping overview of the future. Some of it was fulfilled about 40 years later in AD 70, when the Roman Empire crushed a Jewish revolt and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple. But some of it is yet to be fulfilled. In part I of a two-part exploration of this chapter, we can see why the events of AD 70 are so relevant to us nearly two centuries later. 26 January 2025.

Matthew 23.13-39. Jesus concludes his sparring match with the clergy of his time with a devastating series of curses on their dismal organised religion. They have shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces and have not entered it themselves. It's over for them. Oh, that we would put to death the Pharisee that so quickly rises up in us. 19 January 2025.

Matthew 23.1-12. Jesus warns his disciples against religious hypocrisy, which was a strong feature of the Pharisees' way of life. Always concerned to look good and be treated with deference by the common people, Jesus says that these are the very opposite of the Kingdom of God he is inaugurating. Apologies: the first few minutes of this sermon are missing due to a technical issue. 12 January 2025.

Matthew 22.34-46. At the end of a series of tests and traps from Israel's religious leaders, an expert in the Law is sent to test him one last time with a question about the greatest commandment of the 613 stipulations in the Law of Moses. Jesus answers with not one, but two commandments that summarise the entire Old Testament, before making his detractors look like mugs yet again with a question of his own, after which nobody dares ask him any more questions. 5 January 2025.

What child does not relish the chance to see Santa in his grotto? But the question he asks is a bit problematic. Have you been good this year? How good is good enough to get a present? Isn't grace about receiving gifts because we're loved?

At Our Christmas at King's service, two people who became Christians in the last twelve months share how Christmas is going to be a whole lot different for them this year. 22 December 2024.

Philippians 2.5-11. One of the most stunning passages in the Bible on the Christmas miracle describes the majestic, omnipotent Son of God humbled himself to become a defenceless spec, smaller than half a grain of sand, to become one of us, and save us. John opens up the passage and points out some of the implications for us. 8 December 2024.

Matthew 22.15-33. In the week before his death, several different groups (not friendly among themselves but united in their hostility towards Jesus) approach him trying to catch him out. In this passage, religious hardliners, liberals and politicians alike all fail to trap him as each time, Jesus amazes them with his brilliant response. 1 December 2024.

Matthew 22.1-14. In this parable, God is a father arranging the wedding of his son. But some snub the father with lame excuses. So, Plan B, the father sends servants out all over town to fill the hall. Then, in another twist, one of the guests is not dressed for the occasion and is ejected from the feast. What can it all possibly mean? 24 November 2024.