The Parish Church of Immanuel and St Andrew, Streatham
Registered Charity 1131245
452 Streatham High Road · London · SW16 3PY · Tel: (020) 8679 6888
A QUICK READ.
Can't find your way around the Bible?
No time?
Try some of these short cuts to selected stories!
Each link in the lists below will take you to a story from the Bible, supplied by the 'Oremus' website (see below). Clicking on a link will open the story in a new browser window. When you have finished, close that window to return to this one.
Some stories from the life of Jesus.
A selection of stories of Jesus from the Gospels, most of which are quite well-known. Page numbers refer to the New Testament section of the church Bibles.
- The birth of Jesus. Jesus is born in Bethlehem and the shepherds come to visit. The angels tell the shepherds that the new baby is 'the Messiah, the Lord'. Luke 2:1-20 (p 55)
- Jesus is baptised. At Jesus' baptism, God declares 'This is my Son'. Matthew 3:13-17 (p 3)
- Jesus heals a paralysed man. Before Jesus heals this man, he forgives him his sins. But surely, no one can forgive sins except God..... Mark 2:1-12 (p 34)
- Jesus feeds over 5000 people. If Jesus asks us to do something, he will give us the power to do it. All we need to do is offer what little we have, even if it is only five loaves and two fish. Matthew 14:15-21 (p 15)
- The Lord's Prayer. Jesus' disciples ask him to teach them to pray. This is what he tells them. We usually say the Lord's prayer in a longer version but, like Jesus, we still call God 'Father'. Luke 11:1-13 (p 69)
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Parables (stories) told by Jesus.
Three of Jesus' most well-known parables. Page numbers refer to the New Testament section of the church Bibles.
- The Sower. Jesus knew that there would be many who would neither 'perceive' not 'understand' his message. The story not only warns the disciples that they, too, may not always be understood, but also challenges us all to watch out for temptations, distractions and sheer shallowness of commitment. Luke 8:4-15 (p 64)
- The Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were despised by the Jews of Jesus' day. But in the story, it is the despised Samaritan who proves to be a neighbour. There are no barriers - we are all neighbours to one another. Luke 10:25-37 (p 68)
- The Prodigal son. Jesus told this story when people complained he was welcoming 'sinners'. In the story, the father's love makes him forgive and forget all the 'sin' of the son and just welcome him back. Luke 15:11-32 (p 75)
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Jesus' death and resurrection.
Excerpts from some of the Gospel accounts. Page numbers refer to the New Testament section of the church Bibles.
- The Last Supper. The Passover was the Jewish festival that celebrated the Israelites' release from slavery in Egypt. The Last Supper celebrates our release from slavery to sin. Matthew 26:17-29 (p 28)
- Jesus is betrayed. The agony of Jesus' death begins as he prays that he may not have to drink the 'cup of suffering'. But he accepts that it must happen - as scripture says. Matthew 26:36-54 (p 29)
- Jesus is crucified. The crowd scoff, but Jesus knows that it is only by not saving himself that he can save others. Even on the cross, he asks forgiveness for those who kill him, and welcomes a repentant criminal into heaven. Luke 23:32-43 (p 85)
- Jesus dies on the cross. As Jesus dies, the Temple curtain, symbol of the separation between God and humankind, is torn in two - and a Roman soldier glimpses the truth of who Jesus is. Mark 15:33-39 (p 52)
- The empty tomb. Mystery, terror, disbelief. What a way to greet the greatest news anyone has ever heard! But how do you react to knowing that 'He...has risen"? Luke 23:55 - 24:12 (p 86)
- The risen Jesus appears to the disciples. Terror gives way to peace and joy. It really is Jesus, and he's not a ghost - he eats fish! Not only that, he can explain the scriptures, commission the disciples (and us!) to proclaim the message of forgiveness to all nations, and send 'power from on high'. Luke 24:36-49 (p 87)
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If you have questions about any of these passages the Vicar or one of the Readers will be pleased to help. If you are new to Immanuel and don't know who we are check us out on the 'Who's Who' page.
There are some brief general notes about the Bible on the What is the Bible? page, which you may find useful.
Oremus is a website dedicated to providing resources for prayer and worship. You may find additional items there to help you. Our passages come from part of the site called the Oremus Bible Browser.
If you would like to read the Bible regularly on line there are a number of resources on the Web that may help. You might like to try Wordlive.org, which offers the alternatives of having a passage (with some explanatory notes) sent to you each day by e-mail, or reading one daily (or whenever!) on their website. Alternatively, you can just use the Oremus Bible Browser - click on the link, type a Bible reference (eg 'Luke 1' or '1 Corinthians 13:1-13') into the top space and click the 'show passage' button. That way you can choose what to read, but of course there are no notes to help you.
If you would like to read the Bible regularly in book form we can supply Bible reading notes with a reading 'plan' to help you. Contact Myrtle Powley, or the Vicar or a Reader, for more information.
The PCC has no control over the other websites linked above and the inclusion of a link here or elsewhere on this site to another website does not necessarily imply that the PCC, clergy or webmaster of Immanuel and St Andrew endorse its content. Such links are provided in good faith and no guarantee can be given that they will continue to function or that they will link to the material stated. No responsibility can be accepted for any damage or inconvenience, whether or not caused by a virus or malicious program, arising out of using a link or downloading or running any file.
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Page last updated 19 November 2009.
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© Copyright David Gray and PCC of Immanuel and St. Andrew Streatham 2004-9. Photographs copyright David Gray 2002-9 except where otherwise stated.
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