Sermons and articles by: Rev'd Michael Bayley

Affirming Thomas

Preached by on 2nd Sunday in Easter, 7th April 2013 • Sermon texts: Acts 4:32-37 & John 20:19-31

Thomas often gets a bad press. Doubting Thomas sounds like moral censure. But the story as told by John does not condemn Thomas. Thomas was not there when, as the first part of the gospel told us, Jesus appeared to … Continue reading →

Posted on April 7, 2013 in Sermons • Tagged , , ,

Meat offered to idols

Preached by on 2nd Sunday in Lent, 27th February 2013 • Sermon texts: 1 Corinthians 8.1-13 & Mark 2.13–20,23–28 • Sermon series:

When I first agreed to preach today on the topic of meat offered to idols, I had not expected meat to have been dominating the headlines for weeks on end. But food is understandably a major preoccupation, as we simply … Continue reading →

Posted on February 24, 2013 in Sermons • Tagged , ,

The Climate Kairos

Preached by on Last Sunday in Trinity, 29th October 2012 • Sermon texts: Exodus 16.9–18 & Luke 15.11-24

On September 15 it was reported that the ice in the Arctic has retreated to the smallest extent ever recorded and scientists are now predicting that the Arctic could be free of ice in summer within 20 years which will … Continue reading →

Posted on October 28, 2012 in Sermons • Tagged , , ,

The Quality of Mercy

Preached by on 17th Sunday in Trinity, 30th September 2012 • Sermon texts: James 5.13–20 & Mark 9.38-50

The 2nd part of this morning’s Gospel really seems rather grisly: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone hung around his neck and he … Continue reading →

Posted on September 30, 2012 in Sermons • Tagged , ,

Liberating the Victim

Preached by on 3rd Sunday in Lent, 11th March 2012 • Sermon texts: Exodus 20.1-17 & 1 Corinthians 1.18-25 • Sermon series:

It is now unfashionable to talk about problem families. Problem families are, obviously, families who have problems. They also cause problems for those who are trying to help them and it is all too easy to write off such families … Continue reading →

Posted on March 11, 2012 in Sermons • Tagged , , , ,

Honouring God

Preached by on Trinity 17, 16th October 2011 • Sermon texts: Leviticus 19 1-4, 9-18 & Mark 12:28-34a • Sermon series:

“The Lord’s prayer is Christianity’s greatest prayer.  It is also Christianity’s strangest prayer.  It is prayed by all Christians, but it never mentions Christ.  It is prayed in all churches, but it never mentioned church.  It is prayed all Sundays, … Continue reading →

Posted on October 16, 2011 in Sermons • Tagged , ,

Caesarea Philippi

Preached by on Trinity 9, 21st August 2011 • Sermon texts: Romans 12:1-8 & Matthew 16:13-20

When did those first disciples of Jesus begin to realise that there was something, not just special, but very special about him.  There must always have been something special about him to persuade the Twelve to follow him in the … Continue reading →

Posted on August 21, 2011 in Sermons • Tagged , ,

Covenants of Love: Marriage & Civil Partnerships

Preached by on Trinity 6, 31st July 2011 • Sermon texts: Hosea 11.1-9 • Sermon series:

“To have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.” These are extraordinary vows to make.  How can … Continue reading →

Posted on July 31, 2011 in Sermons • Tagged , , ,