When you think of the name ‘Jesus’, what image is conjured up in your mind?

In the second sermon of this series, Ben looks at how fear can captivate us both for good and ill.

At the start of Advent, Ben begins a new sermon series; The Beginning of Wisdom.

The Letter of James tells us that anyone who knows the right thing to do and then fails to do it commits sin. On Safeguarding Sunday, Ben looks this letter in the context of recent events in the Church of England.

Drawing on the example from the Book of Proverbs, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’, Ben explores chapter three of the Letter of James.

Is faith about trusting in our own belief in Christ or to we trust God enough to open our hearts and receive salvation and life in its fullness. In his Letter, James is telling is to trust in the Lord.

However often we turn our backs on God he never turns his back on us. Mercy triumphs over judgement in every aspect of our lives.

As we go out to serve others there is a happiness and a joy and a sense of God’s presence that transforms us.

Ben rounds off the series in which we have been looking at giving and vision.

We are called to be a church which is advancing in the face of adversity and a community which is full of joy and hope.

One of the key ways we thank God for what he does for us is to give. Giving to God allows us to give bountifully.

How is the example of Christ shaping your life now? Ben draws on the parable of the two foundations: when the storm comes the house without foundations is washed away. The storm still comes to the house with the firm foundations - but the house is better equipped to deal with the it.