I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptised in my name.

Paul’s all-consuming zeal was for the honour of the Name of Jesus, and not that of his own little name.

Apparently, on the day of the Queen’s funeral, one media commentator said words to the effect that, ‘Today is all about Her Majesty; no-one else.’ Of course, it’s a totally understandable sentiment, and I’m sure that if I knew the context I would understand the statement all the more. But I read an article which pointed out the irony, because the Queen had clearly set up the whole day to point to Jesus. By 5 pm on Monday 19th September 2022, I felt like we had been treated to a day’s Christian viewing on the BBC!

In Boston Spa Methodist Church, near to the new main entrance, there is a plaque commemorating the life and ministry of a former incumbent who served in the early  years of the 20th century. It  states sparingly that he ‘tried to preach Jesus.’ I am taken by the humility and simplicity of that comment.

Similarly, an inscription on a plaque in ‘All Souls Langham Place’ reads:

‘Many friends of John Stott combined to give this pulpit and communion table out of deep gratitude for his dedicated ministry as evangelist, teacher and pastor during 25 years as Rector of All Souls (1950-1975). He taught us to make God’s Word our rule, God’s Spirit our teacher and God’s Glory our supreme concern.’

“Not to us, O LORD, but to your name be the glory…” (Psalm 115:1a).