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An overview of John's gospel, chapters 14 to 16, as Jesus, about to go to the cross, spends time with his disciples.

We revisit Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus, then focus on two passages in John’s gospel showing how she both shared his joy and watched him die on the cross.

Many of the things Jesus did during his lifetime were surprising. Even washing his disciples' feet (see John chapter 13) would have raised eyebrows. But a closer look at the story reveals several things that we can learn and apply to our own lives.

King David, described as a man after God's own heart, was not allowed to build the temple - that responsibility fell to his son Solomon. The story offers several lessons to us, including the need for leaders to have wisdom and support, and for us all to keep alert to temptations.

With echoes of contemporary events, the well-known story of King David, Bathsheba and Nathan the Prophet shows how we can be caught up in systems of sin, as well as being held accountable to God for individual wrongdoing.

How do followers of Jesus discern the current times, and not get overwhelmed by all that is going on? Jesus' teaching provides some of the answers - but we still have a responsibility to respond.

Jesus Christ is the only one designated to bring about God's purposes - and that has implications for us as ordinary people. Giving our lives to him makes us vulnerable - but God promises to help us in so many ways.

If you belong to a church (including this one), it's always worth thinking why. The Bible encourages us to keep the unity of the Spirit and also to attain to unity. This sermon was recorded as part of a service renewing the Oakes Baptist Church covenant.

A new year offers the opportunity to reflect on where we've come from and where we're going. In that context, the gospel continues to offer hope and direction

Isaiah's prophecy about 'a shoot from the stump of Jesse' (Isaiah 11:1) tells of the coming Messiah, emerging from the seemingly dead royal lineage of King David (whose father was Jesse) to bring justice, and restoration and new life, even from apparently hopeless situations.