by Neil Ellis | Feb 26, 2018 | Sermons
The second Sunday of Lent features Jesus speaking openly to the disciples and others who have gathered. He teaches a powerful truth about his future and what it means to follow him. It is a message the Peter has trouble with and for which Peter receives a stern public...
by Neil Ellis | Feb 20, 2018 | Sermons
Lent begins in the wilderness. John the Baptist’s ministry is in the wilderness. Jesus begins his ministry by being sent by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. A dangerous, forlorn place. Yet, this is where Lent begins. This is where the journey we follow Jesus...
by Neil Ellis | Feb 12, 2018 | Sermons
Transfiguration Sunday comes just before Lent. A reminder of what has transpired in the ministry of Jesus to this point and to prepare us for what comes next. In Mark’s gospel, the Transfiguration occurs in the middle. It is both a climax and a launching point....
by Neil Ellis | Feb 5, 2018 | Sermons
PWS&D Sunday is a time when we can reflect on the work done by this agency of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. We situate our understanding of PWS&D in a passage from Mark’s gospel. This passage features the call of Simon’s mother-in-law. ...
by Neil Ellis | Jan 29, 2018 | Sermons
The passage from Mark’s gospel today is the inaugural act of Jesus’ ministry. In it he teaches and he heals. However, as is often the case with Jesus things are never as they appear on the surface. His teaching sets up his authority. His authority is...
by Neil Ellis | Jan 22, 2018 | Sermons
The Book of Jonah is well known. It’s story is able to be told from memory. It is a story about a rebellious child of God. It is also a story about God’s expansive, relentless grace. A strong reminder that we are better off deconstructing our images and...
