Oakham Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Stephen Parkes
In this episode we begin to unpack Jesus’ teaching on how he’s “the Gate” and “the Shepherd”.
In this episode we take one final look at John 9 and ask what is the link between the physical healing and the spiritual healing.
As we continue to explore & unpack this healing story from John 9, we learn that HOW Jesus acts is connected to WHO Jesus is.
In this episode, we begin to unpack the story of the man born blind. Who, after an encounter with Jesus, is healed. How can HIS story impact how we see OUR story?
In this episode we explore the ongoing necessary conversation that takes place between Jesus and the crowd (& us). Asking “Are we filling all the space and leaving no room for the words of God?”
In this episode we take a look at how Jesus Messiah deals with a particularly difficult trap laid for him. Asking if there’s a way we can follow in his words/actions to help us see the person (and not the problem)
In this episode we unpack the 2nd element of the ‘feast of Tabernacles’ asking what does this point backwards to in the Law and Prophets… as well as what this points forward to in the future. How does Jesus Messiah fulfil this?
In this episode we explore the importance of the feast of tabernacles and why what Jesus said/did during that festival is SO amazing!
In the episode of the [Messiah] series, we recap over John 6 in its entirety. Reading & hearing from 2 different translations.
In this episode we unpack three of the words that Jesus uses to explain to the crowd, who HE is and who THEY are and WHOSE they are.
In this episode, we unpack some of the details underneath the scene where Jesus walks on water. Asking how is the ‘Messiah’ master over our storms today?
In this episode we explore how the feeding of the 5000 story can point us both backwards and forwards, when it comes to to the provision of God.
In this bonus episode, we break from walking through John, to read the Good Friday narrative for Holy Week.
In this episode we explore the healing at the pool in John 5, as well as unpacking the Palm Sunday scene. Asking what these two events can teach us about how we view the past, present, and future.
In this episode we look at 3 examples, from John 4, of different responses to the revelation of Jesus as Messiah. Asking how will we respond.
In this episode, we drop in on a conversation with Jesus at a well. Asking how can the movement of this encounter with this Samaritan woman speak into our lives and how we encounter Jesus as Messiah?
In this episode we take a look at how John responds to his followers as they try to compare and compete with Jesus and others.
In those episode we take a deep-dive in to, probably, THE most famous Bible verse and unpack some of the words used by Jesus Messiah.
In this episode we take a look at the final 3 verses of John 2 and ask how they might be informing WHO Jesus is and WHAT he came to accomplish.
This episode explores the wedding in Cana story in John 2. Asking what kind of ‘sign’ is this? What is it pointing towards? Why this sign?
In this episode we finish John 1 by looking at the transition the first disciples make between curiosity and devotion. We ask what it means to be a ‘disciple’ of something/someone and why that resonates with us?
In this episode we unpack the 3-pronged question that’s put before John. Is he the prophet, Elijah, the Messiah? What will he say about himself? What will WE say about ourselves?
In this episode we look at two words that John uses repeatedly and interconnected within the opening prologue/poem of the Gospel. Asking what can both “light” and “life” teach us about Christ and about ourselves.
In this episode we unpack and explore the term ‘glory’. Asking what can the Hebrew and Greek understandings of the term teach us today.
In this new season, we begin to unpack the question “who is Jesus?” as we look at the opening prologue poem of John 1.
In the last episode of this season, in the last episode of this year, we explore the theme of standing on the edge between the old and the new. Asking what the Bible has to teach us about this transition.
In the fourth episode of our Advent season we look at two more characters from the traditional readings and ask “Are we open to the surprises of God?”
In this third Advent episode we continue with our theme of waiting and explore how two characters respond to God’s revelation with either suspicion or surrender and ask ourselves how we will respond today.
In this second Advent episode we continue to explore the theme of waiting through the lens of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Asking “what can their story teach us about our story?”
In this first Advent episode, we look at Isaiah 2:2-5 and explore the significance and HOPEfullness of mountains in the Biblical narrative.
In this one-off episode we unpack some of what Jesus is talking about when he starts his three-part announcement that he is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.
In those stand-alone episode, we lay the groundwork for looking at a well-known scene from the life of the prophet, Elijah. Where he lays out a challenge, not just for the people present that day, but for us all today.
In the final episode of this series we take one final look at some examples of the ‘hesed’ of God and unpack what that means for us here and now.
In this episode we explore how God’s hesed is found in all the places we least expect and that it’s not conditional on who we are or what we do/don’t do.
In this episode we look again at the actions & words of Jesus and look at how they filter through into the actions & words of his early followers.
In this bonus episode of the ‘hesed’ series we explore how this loyal love is a description on BOTH who God is AND what God does. How ‘hesed’ isn’t dependent upon our ability to earn/deserve it.
In this episode we explore what this Hebrew word has to say to the early followers of Jesus and what this might mean for our lives today.
In this episode we explore how the theme of ‘hesed’ is carried through into the New Testament, particularly in the life and teachings of Jesus.
In this episode we look at how ‘hesed’ is used to describe people’s relationships with each other. Unpacking four examples from the Hebrew Bible.
In the first episode of this new series, we start to look at this ancient Hebrew word ‘hesed’ and start to unpack and unravel what this tells us about the nature of God and the calling of people.
In this final episode in the ‘mixtape’ series, we take a look at probably THE most famous Psalm… and ask what new thing is this old song showing us today?
In this episode we look/hear just how important those final tracks are on this ‘mixtape’.
In this ‘mixtape’ episode we ask “Who is Korah and why do I need to know about his sons?” and how this can add extra insight to this Psalm and what that means for us here & now.
In this episode of our ‘mixtape’ series we look at what the Psalmist can teach us about sleep and metaphysics.
This episode explores the ‘road trip soundtrack’ of the Psalms of Ascent. We focus on and unpack Psalm 121 and ask what it might be teaching us about our own journeys.
This episode is in the form of a ‘sermon’ looking at what this particular song from the ‘mixtape’ can teach us about the provision of God
In this episode we simply let the Psalm do the talking. As we read/hear four different versions of this song and ask, “What is this saying to me today?”
In this ‘mixtape’ episode we start to unpack the difficult ‘track’ of Psalm 137 and explore the three-pointed pattern of trauma, allegiance, and compassion.
In this episode we explore how the Psalmist describes that we are both created ON purpose and created FOR a purpose.
In this episode we unpack what it means to place our hope in the truth of ‘The Refuge’, Immanu-el, instead of all our ‘lower-case r refuges’.
In this bonus episode we hear the ‘hallel psalms’ read aloud in their entirety. Traditionally, this collection of Psalms are read/chanted/sang/prayed in the lead-up to festivals and holy days.
In this episode we unpack this short Psalm and ask what the Psalmist is telling us about unity and why it’s so important for us today.
In this episode we breakdown this Psalm of disorientation. Exploring the ‘black holes’ in the first half, the amazing “but” and the worshipful conclusion. Asking how can this anonymous Psalm speak to us today?
In this episode we unpack and explore what this Psalm teaches us about our Creator, our environment, and ourselves.
In this new series we begin to explore this rich diverse collection of psalms, songs, poetry and prayers that span the entire spectrum of what it means to be human.
In this episode we explore how the “I AM” statements of Jesus might help us to better ask/answer the question of who we say that Jesus is to us and in our lives.
In preparation for ‘Palm Sunday’ we read/hear this story through the lens of an ‘epic’.
In the 5th week of Lent we read/hear 3 of the traditional Lectionary texts and look for the common thread ‘weaved’ throughout.
Titles matter. In this 4th week of Lent we look at the well-known story from Luke 15. ‘The Prodigal Son’ and ask what we’re missing by allowing this title to direct our attention.
In this 3rd week of Lent we look at both Psalm 63 and 1 Corinthians 10 and ask who’s thirsty and what are they thirsty for? What does Jesus have to say about thirst?
In this 2nd week of Lent, we read the traditional Lectionary reading of Psalm 27 and discover the importance of both/and.
In this Ash Wednesday episode we have the traditional reading of Joel 2 and ask what this weird season of Lent is actually about…
In this episode we look at Leah and Hagar and their silenced lives. How does God’s revelation to them change their stories? How do they both respond to that revelation? How might we?
In this episode we look at John 20 and how Jesus is the only one who can breathe new life into people as an antidote to the things that hold us back and distort our perspectives
In this episode we look at some ancient words from Isaiah and how Jesus is the fulfilment of them and how Jesus invites us into not that fulfilment today.
In this episode we ‘dig in’ to the bible and recognise the pattern that is taking place in their (and our) lives…
In this episode we unpack the Emmaus story and see what it can teach us about our “if…then” way of living.
In this episode we take a look at Jesus’ POSTURE in both Matthew 5 and Hebrews 10 to see what they can teach us about our POSITION.
In this episode we unpack a few of the themes from this well-known story from Matthew 14 and ask what it can be speaking into us at the beginning of 2023
In the final episode of our Advent2022 season we explore the ‘breadcrumb’ of Ruth and ask how this Christmas story is actually scandalous?!
In this episode we take a look at the life of King Manasseh and ask what kind of ‘breadcrumb’ is he for us at this season of Advent?
In this episode we unpack another of the names in Matthew’s genealogy and look at what ‘breadcrumbs’ are being dropped…
In the first of these 4 Advent episodes we take a look at the ‘breadcrumbs’ that God is dropping through the genealogy at the start of Matthew’s gospel.
In this extra episode we travel to the well again to see how Jesus tackles fear, embarrassment and shame.
In this episode we take a look at the different reaction(s) to the “I AM” revelation of who/what Jesus is.
This season we return to the well and ask ourselves why Jesus had to go there (and why we do too), how do we desperately try other wells, and the difference between worshipping ‘on’ and ‘in’.
In this precursor to season 10, we read/hear a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, as we got to the well again…
In our final episode of this series we explore the importance of being rooted within a faith community. (Readings from the Message version of Ephesians 2 & 5)
In this episode we explore what Paul has to say to the Philippians (and to us today) about being content in our ‘hurry sickness’ world
I’m this episode we explore the idea of place from Jeremiah’s words to the exiles in Babylon and the teachings of Jesus.
Episode 2 follows on from our grounded-ness in Christ, with what it means to be grounded in community by looking at the story of Ruth.
In this new series we explore the importance of remaining grounded in a disconnected & unstable world. What does the Bible say? What does Jesus have to say about stability?
In this episode we look at what it means to truly pay attention. We see the example, in Jesus, of the God who sees…
In this episode we explore the ‘preachers’ of Jesus’ day and ask “What’s Jesus’ take on preachers?” Recognising the 3 layers of projection, opinion, and sin-levels…
This week’s episode looks at Jesus’ take on sin and what we can learn from his approach and posture.
In this episode we briefly look at how Jesus as our LIGHT is good news for anyone feeling like they’re in a losing battle…
In this special episode we dig into what the Psalms are (and what they’re for) with an additional reading of the ‘hallel’ from the Message.
In this episode we look at 2 examples ,from Acts 8, of what might be holding us back and why.
In this episode we look at the issue of security within a world of insecurity. Asking ‘What can Jesus teach us?’
In this episode we look at some biblical examples of our obsession with winning and what Jesus says to counteract that…
In this bonus episode we hear the letter to the church in Philippi (but maybe not like you’ve ever heard it before!)
In this episode we see that the question isn’t ‘will I fail?’ but ‘how will I respond to failure?’
In this episode we look at the dangers of comparison and competition and how they can dull our ability to show empathy.
This episode we explore the dangers of busyness and distraction and unpack the importance of righteousness.
As we pick up our series asking “What really matters?” we explore how we read/hear/see ourselves within a story from Luke…
In our final episode of Jonah we explore Jonah’s motives and ask ourselves “Who’s story am I believing?”
In this episode of our Lent journey we explore the difference between being ‘over-turned’ and ‘turned-over’ and the surprising response of the Ninevites…
This episode explores MOTIVE. Why does Jonah act/react the way that he does? Why do we?
As we continue our ‘dive’ into the book of Jonah, we explore the mysterious gender-changing fish and how maybe the ‘storms’ and ‘fish’ are here to save us…
Join us as we continue digging into the book of Jonah and asking what his story can teach us about the WHOLE story (as well as OUR story)
During Lent 2022 we will be exploring and unpacking the book of Jonah. Asking what can this ancient story teach us about life today?
In this episode we continue to ask “What’s really important?” as we look at different people’s responses and reactions
As we continue to ask the question ‘what’s really important?’ we dig into (pun intended) a well-known story from Luke 2 in this episode.
This episode unpacks the epic catch from Luke 5 and explores why Peter reacts the way he does.
In this new season we will explore the story of the epic catch of fish (John 21) and what it can teach us about “What’s really important?”
In our final episode of season 6 we unpack the encouragement and warning Paul gives to the Ephesians and us today.
In this episode we tackle, arguably, one of the most abused & mis-used passages in the bible. Buckle up!
After our Advent break we’re back to exploring the themes of grace & peace in the letter to the Ephesians. This episode, Paul describes the power of worship.
In this episode we explore the ‘overwhelming joy’ of the Magi and ask what that can mean for us today.
In the 3rd episode of our Advent break we take a case study of Mary as our positive example of a life of LOVE.
In our second week of Advent we look at what the ‘Prince of Peace’ means for the world inside and outside of our ‘boats’.
During our mini Advent break from Ephesians, we look at Psalm 72 and unpack the theme of backwards/forwards hope.
Looking at Ephesians 5 we explore the differences between hearing with our head and heart, seeing what’s pleasing to God (not us) and the effects light has on darkness.
In this section of Ephesians we look at the causes of a hard-heart and explore Paul’s three-part process of putting off, renewal, and putting on.
We start to shift our attention from core BELIEFS to core PRACTICES as we read from Ephesians 4:1-16
In this episode we look at Paul’s prayer for being filled with fullness of “immeasurably more”
This episode looks at Ephesians 3 and the mystery that is revealed to us by/through Christ. How church is about unity not uniformity.
In this episode we explore the meaning of Ephesians 2:14-15 and unpack just how the two can become one.
We look at how the darkness of Ephesians 2 acts as a backdrop to draw attention to the light of God’s grace and love.
In Ephesians 2 Paul makes all these contrasting statements about who we were and who we are (becoming). This is the pattern of grace!
In this episode we get to basics. The text IS the teaching. So sit back and take in all of Ephesians in one go!
In our next look at Ephesians 1 we begin to unpack the baggage from themes like ‘the elect’ seeing that it’s better than we think!
In this new series we begin to unpack Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and ask “Am I am apostle?”
In the final episode in the series “Who do you say that I am?” we look at the Emmaus story and how Jesus is the resurrection.
In this episode of the summer series asking “Who do you say that I am?” we unpack Jesus’ statement that he is the good shepherd.
In this episode we ask “who do YOU say that Jesus is?” and talk about being a tween in 2021
In this episode of the ‘who do you say I am?’ summer series, we unpack and explore another of Jesus’ “I AM” statements.
In this episode of ‘who do you say I am?’ we explore how Jesus describes himself as “the gate” and what that means for us.
In this summer series “Who do you say I am?” we take a look at the “I am” statement from Jesus and what this means for how we live today.
In this summer series, we ask the question that Jesus asked his original disciples… “Who do you say I am?” as we explore what this means for OUR identity…
What are the effects & consequences of making excuses for ourselves, blaming others or blaming God?
In this final episode of the metamorphosis series, we look at the idea of conqueror and the empty promises that we can sometimes put our hope in.
This episode looks at Romans 7 and how all the pedigree and training can’t save you from yourself!
In this last look at Ephesians in our METAMORPHOSIS series, we dig into the opening passage and look at what brings God pleasure…
In this episode of METAMORPHOSIS we unpack Ephesians 4 and attempt to see ‘church’ with new eyes…
In this episode of METAMORPHOSIS we dig a bit deeper into Paul’s mission statement and his invitation into a new way of seeing/being.
In the first look at Ephesians in our METAMORPHOSIS series, we explore how Jesus removes the barriers that we set up.
In this episode of METAMORPHOSIS, we look at what DC & Marvel can teach us about the Apostle Paul and ourselves.
In this episode of the Metamorphosis series, we read/hear the transformative words of Paul to his ‘son’ Titus.
In this episode of our METAMORPHOSIS series we hear excerpts from Philippians on life, death, love, incarnation, and what it means to be a Jesus-person for the sake of the world.
This episode begins our look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Asking what can the life/example of Christ teach us about our own life and love?
In this episode of the METAMORPHOSIS series, we begin to unpack the themes of calling, chosen-ness, and Paul’s invitation to end tribal-thinking.
In this episode on METAMORPHOSIS, we begin to unpack the opening section of Paul’s letter to the Colossians
In this episode of the METAMORPHOSIS series, we tackle the difficult apocalyptic language in 1 Thessalonians 4.
In our next look at 1 Thessalonians, we read the Message version of the letter and focus on being grateful for each other.
In this 7th episode of Lent, we look at the final ‘word’ of Jesus and relive the passion story in a new way...
In this 6th episode of Lent we look at Jesus’ words “It is finished” and how that isn’t a declaration of defeat, but a tale of triumph...
In this 5th episode of Lent we explore the effects of thirst and use a case study on thirsting from some desert-wandering ex-slaves...
In this 4th episode of Lent we look at the very real feeling of abandonment, and what we can learn from the Psalms and the life of Jesus, on how to journey through it.
In this 3rd episode of Lent we look at the importance that Jesus puts on family RELATIONSHIPS and family RESPONSIBILITIES.
In the second week of Lent we explore the difference between the 2 sides of the cross and a story about a ‘very little man’...
This episode begins our Lent side-series that focuses on what we can learn from the last words of Jesus from the cross.
Today we read/hear Rob Lacey’s “The Street Bible” re-telling of this ancient letter about transformation.
An informal chat (with a very special guest) about the themes that stand out in this weird little letter, from Paul (in prison), to his friend, Philemon.
A recap on the introduction to our new series, plus a full reading of the letter to Philemon.
In this episode we recap our 3rd (and final) look at Reclamation AND we preview our new series METAMORPHOSIS.
In this episode we think about the wisdom of the Magi and what they teach us about looking up
In this second episode of the Advent season, we discuss and dive in to the real peace that only our Prince of Peace can offer.
In this second season we’ll explore the themes that arise during Advent and discuss what they’re teaching us about life in 2020.
In the final episode of this season we discuss the power of a parable, and what lockdowns might be teaching us.
In this concluding discussion on LOVE we focus on the one thing that is of most importance and will never be taken away.
The beginning of a new conversation looking at how love is the antidote to anxiety, worry, and fear.
In this ongoing conversation, this episode concludes our look at different directions of peace, by looking around and into community.
Our second conversation about real peace in the middle of the chaotic ‘storms’ of life.