My name is Emmanuel, and God is with me

This sermon was preached at the Langham Crib Service 24th December 2024. What is in a name?  As I said at the beginning, when we started the Crib Service, my name was Shakeel. But that is just my first name. A lot of you will know that my surname is Nurmahi, but how many of … Continue reading My name is Emmanuel, and God is with me

The Miracle of Christmas: Insights from ‘Once in Royal David’s City’

We are in the thick of Advent and our preparations for Christmas. At this point, you would have expected most people to put up their Christmas decorations (though, granted, not all) and many of us to have begun singing carols. This Sunday will be the first carol service I lead this season.  As I have … Continue reading The Miracle of Christmas: Insights from ‘Once in Royal David’s City’

Emmanuel: Embracing God This Christmas

This sermon was preached on 8th December 2024, the Second Sunday of Advent, at St Peter's Church, Brooke. Readings: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 3:1-6 So, we are in the run-up to Christmas. You might have your Christmas tree up and got out the decorations. You might have listened to Michael Bublé more times than you’d care … Continue reading Emmanuel: Embracing God This Christmas

What Will You Do In The Presence Of The King?

This sermon was preached at St Peter and St Paul Church, Langham on Sunday 24th November 2024. Christ the King Sunday. Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1.4b-8; John 18.33-37 It’s so great to be a part of Langham. We have a loving and caring community, something that is not always easy to find. We also … Continue reading What Will You Do In The Presence Of The King?

God is a God of Justice

This sermon was preached on Sunday 17th November 2024 at All Saints Church, Oakham. Good morning. I want to start by addressing this issue on most of our minds this week here in church. I’m sure many of us have seen the headlines this week about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, … Continue reading God is a God of Justice

Less is Best: How to be the Greatest

This sermon was preached on Sunday 22nd September 2024 at St Peter and St Paul, Langham. Bible Reading: Mark 9:30-37 Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, who is the greatest? Or look at a different context. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in tennis. Or Messi or Ronaldo in football. Who is the GOAT? – greatest of all time. It’s … Continue reading Less is Best: How to be the Greatest

When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: The Strength of Weakness

This sermon was preached on Sunday 7th July 2024 at St Peter and St Paul Church, Langham. 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 I had a job interview this week. Before you get excited, I’ll let you know that I didn’t get the job. One of the things that you must do in an interview is to talk … Continue reading When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: The Strength of Weakness

The Suffering of Joseph

Does it ever feel like sometimes in life things keep going from bad to worse? I know that I’ve been there. Cecily and I have said that a lot about the past week. If there was ever a story in the Bible that captures the essence of life going from bad to worse, the story … Continue reading The Suffering of Joseph

Love & Obey

This sermon was preached at All Saints Church, Oakham on Sunday 5th May 2024. Readings: 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 I am glad to finally announce that wedding season has arrived for 2024. Yesterday I was taking a wedding here in church. A lovely young couple in Oakham, Chris and Rebecca. It’s always a joy … Continue reading Love & Obey

Witness Protection Programme

This sermon was preached on Sunday 14th April 2024 at St Peter and St Paul Church, Langham. Readings: 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36-48 Have you ever watched a witness protection film? You know the classic story. The main character is a key witness to an event, maybe a crime, or other evidence which is needed … Continue reading Witness Protection Programme