The virtual service for 17 January 2021 is available on this page. It is the Second Sunday after the Epiphany.

The service includes scripture readings, prayers, a sermon and, below the video further down, a musical selection chosen by Kath Robertson.

The Lectionary readings this week are: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18;
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 and John 1:43-51. Geoff reads these as part of the service.

The sermon is based on the text from John’s Gospel and that Bible passage set out below for you. It is the story of how Jesus called Philip and Nathanael as disciples.

Rev. Geoff McKee contrasts different commentators’ views and reflects on whether meagre expectations of life serve us best or, as he argues, if we’re not expecting so much more than that then we cannot live as we have been made to live.

Bible reading at the heart of the sermon

John 1:43-51 (New International Version)
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

Virtual service

Musical selection

The lyrics of Blessed Assurance were written in 1873 by blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby.

This hymn reflects Crosby’s walk of faith. As we walk each day in faith, with all the exciting opportunities life holds, we know we have the assurance that Jesus loves, cares for and guides us as we journey on. Let’s praise our Saviour all day long!