Grand Orange Lodge of England

In 1 Peter 2:1–17, we are invited to lay aside the everyday sins that poison the soul, and to crave God’s word like newborn babies, so we can grow in Christ. Peter leads us to Jesus, the living stone and chief cornerstone, rejected by many yet chosen and precious to God.  Those who trust him are built together as living stones, a royal priesthood, and God’s own people, saved to show his praises. ...

Psalm 2 shows us the clash between human rebellion and God’s unshakable rule. People resist God’s truth and reject His authority, but heaven is not disturbed: the Lord sits enthroned and has set His King in Zion.  This psalm points forward to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Prophet, Priest, and King, who purchased redemption through the cross and was declared victorious in the resurrection. The psalm...

In 2 Thessalonians 3 , Paul steadies a confused church by pointing them to prayer, sound teaching, and faithful living as they await Christ’s return. False ideas about the Second Coming had produced disorder: some stopped working and became busybodies.  Paul reminds them of his own example of hard work and gives a clear principle: refusing responsibility is not godliness. He also teaches restorati...

This sermon reminds us that the cross and the empty tomb were not surprises, but promises. At this season, we remember Christ’s death and resurrection, both foretold in the Old Testament.  Isaiah 53 presents the suffering servant, wounded for our transgressions, bearing our iniquities, silent like a lamb, and buried with the rich. Psalm 22 points to the crucifixion: the cry of forsakenness, pierce...

Nehemiah 6 shows how opposition often increases when God’s work is nearly complete. Nehemiah’s enemies shift from attacking the wall to attacking the leader through distraction, slander, and spiritual-sounding deception.  Nehemiah refuses to be pulled off course ... “I am doing a great work”, answers lies with steady truth, and turns immediately to prayer: “O God, strengthen my hands.”  He discern...

Colossians 3:12–17 shows what God’s grace produces in the life of a true believer. Paul begins with identity: in Christ we are chosen, holy, and loved, so we don’t obey to earn salvation, but because we have received it.  He calls us to “put on” mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and especially forgiveness, measured by Christ’s forgiveness of us. Above all, love binds everything togeth...

In 2 Chronicles 32 v1–8 , Judah faces invasion from Sennacherib of Assyria. Hezekiah responds with practical wisdom, securing water supplies, strengthening walls, preparing weapons, and organising leaders. But the key is not merely strategy; it is trust in God.  Hezekiah comforts the people, reminding them that the enemy has only “an arm of flesh,” while God is with His people to help and fight th...

Philippians 2 v 1–16 calls Christians to unity and humility, and it does so by pointing us to Jesus. Paul warns that strife and pride poison any fellowship, whether in church life, home, or shared meetings, and urges us to value others above ourselves.  The heart of the passage is Christ: truly God, yet He humbled Himself, became man, obeyed perfectly, and died on the cross for our sins. God has n...

Nehemiah 2 shows how God answers prayer and calls His people to rebuild. Nehemiah risks honesty before King Artaxerxes, then prays a quick, silent “arrow prayer” in the moment of fear.  God opens the door: permission, protection, and resources are granted “according to the good hand” of God. Nehemiah then inspects the broken walls carefully before calling the people, “Come and let us build,” and t...

Philippians 4:4–8 calls Christians to a steady, Christ-centred life: rejoice in the Lord, live with gentleness, replace anxiety with prayer, and guard the mind with what is true and pure. Joy is anchored not in our performance but in Jesus Christ and His perfect righteousness received by faith.  Gentleness grows when we remember the Lord is near and sees all. Prayer with thanksgiving opens the way...

Nehemiah 4 teaches us how God’s people respond when facing opposition. Nehemiah prayed first and then acted wisely, arming the workers while continuing the work. His faith combined prayer with practical action. When we face difficulty, we too must begin at the throne of grace, trusting God to work through the means  He provides. “Remember the Lord, great and awesome,” Nehemiah told his people. God...

In Ephesians 6: v10–24 , Paul reminds us that the Christian life is a spiritual battle, not against people but against the powers of evil. God equips us with His armour .. truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word, to help us stand firm.  Above all, we are to pray, depending on God’s strength and not our own. Paul himself, even in prison, asks for boldness to proclaim the gospel....

In this short message on Galatians 6: 1–10 , we explore Paul’s practical encouragement to the Christian fellowship: restore the fallen gently, carry each other’s burdens, and do good without seeking praise.  Delivered in a warm and accessible tone, this sermon reminds us that the law of Christ is love in action, not self-promotion. Especially timely for Lodge meetings in August, it challenges us t...

In this inspiring episode, we explore the powerful story of King Jehoshaphat from 2 Chronicles 20:1–13.  Faced with overwhelming enemies, Jehoshaphat turns not to weapons, but to worship, calling the people of Judah to a national day of prayer. His heartfelt cry, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You,” echoes through the ages and reminds us of God's mighty power to deliver.  D...

Echoes of the Great War is a podcast that shares the powerful true stories of men and women who served during the First World War. In each short episode, we focus on real people whose lives were changed forever by the conflict; not just through battle, but through illness, loss, and the personal cost of service. In this episode, we remember Private Bertram Dee , a young Australian farmer from Alst...

Echoes of the Great War is a history podcast that brings to life the powerful and often forgotten stories of ordinary people who served during the First World War. Based on carefully researched accounts, each short episode focuses on real individuals whose bravery, sacrifice, and everyday lives were shaped by the war. In this episode, we tell the story of Abraham Acton VC , a young miner from Whit...

Echoes of the Great War is a history podcast that brings to life the powerful, often-overlooked stories of those who lived, served, and died during the First World War. In each short episode, we explore the experiences of real people; not just soldiers on the front line, but also nurses, volunteers, families, and communities affected by the war. In this episode, we remember Nurse Laura Marion Gail...

In this episode, we reflect on Galatians 5:13–26 and the call to live in true Christian liberty, not for selfish gain, but to serve one another in love. The Apostle Paul warns of the destructive works of the flesh and urges believers to walk in the Spirit.  We explore the spiritual battle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the fruits that mark a Spiri...

In 2 Chronicles 14, we meet King Asa of Judah, a leader who wholeheartedly sought the Lord. He removed idols and false altars, guiding his people back to true worship. During a time of peace, Asa fortified cities and built a strong army, yet he knew that real strength comes from God.  When a vast Ethiopian army threatened Judah, Asa didn't rely on his forces; instead, he prayed, "Help us...

The Deep Dive team discuss the Battle of Sedgemoor and the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 . It provides a detailed account of the campaign's background, events, and consequences , including the battle itself with information on the opposing armies, their commanders, troop numbers, and losses .  The podcast describes the battlefield's historic terrain and geography , its archaeology , and off...

These excerpts from "The Orange Standard" magazine, published by the Grand Orange Lodge of England between 1914 and 1915, offer a unique perspective on the early months of the First World War through the lens of the Orange Order.  Initially focused on Protestant doctrine and Irish Home Rule, the magazine's content shifts to reflect the escalating conflict, detailing the enlistment a...

These excerpts from Brother Mike Phelan's historical article in the Orange Standard magazine detail the experiences of Orangemen during 1915 of the First World War.  Primarily focusing on the Western Front , the text recounts battles, casualties, and acts of bravery while also highlighting the involvement of Orange Lodges and their members in various capacities, including military service in...

These excerpts from the "Orange Standard" during the First World War illustrate the widespread involvement of Orangemen from across the British Empire in the conflict, both at the front and on the home front. The articles detail lodge activities , including maintaining contact with serving members, providing support to wounded soldiers, and commemorating the fallen.  Military Orange lodg...

These excerpts from the "Orange Standard" throughout 1917 offer a window into the Orange Institution's activities and experiences during the First World War . They detail the formation and operation of Orange Lodges within military units across various fronts, including the Western Front, naval vessels, and imperial territories.  The articles highlight fundraising efforts and suppor...

These historical excerpts from the Orange Standard , primarily between 1918 and 1919, offer a glimpse into the activities and experiences of various lodges within the Loyal Orange Institution during and immediately after the First World War.  The articles detail lodge meetings, including initiations, elections, and expressions of sympathy for fallen members, illustrating the strong sense of commun...