What is the primary role of the Christian pastor? The question might yield a variety of different responses today. For the definitive answer, however, we need look no further than 2 Timothy. As Paul sends final instructions to his ‘child’, his own execution imminent, priorities are set forth with unequivocal lucidity.

Dick returns again and again to 1 Corinthians 13, and for two reasons. First, because the chapter is widely misunderstood; second, because its message is of timeless importance. It would have poured cold water on the enthusiasms of some Corinthian church members, and it challenges us to reassess our priorities now.

In this succinct review of Mark's gospel, Dick identifies two major themes. As he reflects on Jesus' earthly ministry, he goes on to outline how those themes are mirrored in the priorities Jesus assigns to different aspects of his work on earth. If these are Jesus' priorities, what should ours be?

There are many valuable lessons to be learned from the 'lost and found' parables of Luke 15. But what is the most important application of the sublime parable of the prodigal son? As he considers the protagonists in the unfolding drama, Dick warns of a final tragedy to be averted.

In this pithy analysis, Dick argues that the story of Ahab's disastrous campaign to retake Ramoth Gilead is not primarily about the obvious named protagonists, but rather about the army of nameless prophets that preached false good news. They were the establishment; they were the majority; and they were fatally wrong.

This parable is both sobering and unsettling. It strikes a tragic note. A personal invitation to attend a great banquet is sent out to many, but all decline. Their places are taken by 'unworthy' substitutes. Here, Dick reflects on the work of the evangelist in the light of this tale.

This letter is one to which Dick frequently returns. Though it must have been shocking in Jude's day, it should hardly shock us now. The dangers of which Jude warned his contemporaries then have become institutionalised in the western church today. His message to the early church is God’s timeless word to us.

What are the hallmarks of genuine Christian discipleship? Conversely, what are the signs of a counterfeit faith? In this short series, Dick seeks to uncover the 'melodic line' of 1 John. In his first letter, John hones the discernment and discipleship of the Christian with both encouragements and warnings. Dick argues that John's message is as relevant to the church in the 21st century as it was to the early church.

In the Church of England lectionary, Matthew 11:2-10 is the gospel reading set for the third Sunday in Advent. It contains questions posed by John and Jesus, together with possible answers. Jesus' teaching here has strong contemporary applications, not just to church leaders, but also to the laity.