Thanks for following along here and interacting with some of what I write. In the last few months I’ve spent intentional focus on improving my writing, turning some sermons to written pieces, and dipping into some old drafts I’ve had sitting in a folder for a while.
Recently I reworked a draft from years ago into, “Youth Pastor as Shepherd” for Youth Pastor Theologian. You can read that here if you’re interested.
I keep a list of my articles and posts that are published elsewhere. This is on my “Writing” page, so if you’re curious about what else is out there then you can go and look at the list. It will continue to grow as I continue to be published elsewhere.
As the year wraps up, it’s time to look back and celebrate the posts that have found their way into your screens, bookmarks, and the occasional late-night doom-scroll. This year felt a little more settled than last, albeit not exactly a literary avalanche, but apparently more widely read.
Some older posts keep refusing to retire, a few newer ones found an audience, and a small but growing number of you even clicked the little heart icon; which I’m choosing to interpret as deep emotional commitment.
Here are the stats, and similarly to my Top Books for 2025 post, I have a summary of the posts that received the most views this year.
Enjoy.
THE STATS (2025):
Total Views: 12,088 (Apparently you’re not sick of me yet)
Visitors: 9,104 (Nine thousand real humans, wild!)
Comments: 18 (This is what growth looks like, right?)
This post continues its stubborn reign at the top, despite being written years ago. It reflects on 1 John 4 and the way God’s love is most clearly revealed through the cross of Christ. At its heart is the conviction that God’s love doesn’t ignore our sin but deals with it fully, decisively, and graciously in Jesus.
If people keep reading this post, I’ll keep thanking God for the truth it points to.
One of this year’s newer posts. This piece explores how AI tools intersect with discipleship, pastoral ministry, formation, and wisdom. Rather than hype or fear, the post asks slower questions about what it means to form people in Christ when technology increasingly shapes how we think, write, and relate.
The response to this post confirmed that many of us are trying to think faithfully, not just efficiently, about the future.
This post reflects on Christian mission not as an optional extra or specialist calling, but as the natural overflow of a life shaped by Jesus. It pushes back against both guilt-driven activism and comfortable disengagement, inviting readers to see mission as grounded in God’s initiative rather than our competence.
Another perennial favourite. Drawing from Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, this post explores the freedom that comes from knowing forgiveness is complete, final, and grounded entirely in Christ’s work; not our performance.
Luther’s clarity, warmth, and theological stubbornness continue to do what they’ve always done: comfort weary consciences and unsettle self-reliance.
This Easter devotional reflection on Mark 14:53–65 looks at Jesus’ trial as both a moment of deep injustice and a profound fulfilment of God’s redemptive purposes. Jesus’ silence, His declaration before the council, and His willingness to suffer reveal a King who reigns through faithfulness rather than force.
So there you have it: the most-read posts of 2025. Some new, some old, all pointing (I hope) in the same direction.
This is something I’ve done in previous years, which you can find here: Top posts for 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016. I also have a collection of writing published elsewhere on the inter-webs, which you can read here.
If you’ve got a favourite post, a lingering question, or a topic you’d love me to tackle in 2026, feel free to leave a comment or send a message.
I’ve been toying around with poetry lately, both as a fun little exercise and something to learn and improve my writing.
I wrote the following after reflecting on Matthew 14:23, where Jesus, even after all the ministry and miracles, withdraws alone to pray. I suspect many of us live in the tension of hurry and stillness, this is a kind of prayer from that place. An invitation to slow down and respond out of the rest in his presence.
Pull Up A Pew
Driven, my heart beats fast and faster Hurried, from one to the next The urgent crowds out my time and place To sit, be still, and seek your face.
The mind, it races on and on Thinking, what I ought to do So much, so many, so few pursue But here you call, pull up a pew.
You stopped and went with task after task Up the mountain, where in the Father you bask Teach me your ways, for I forget Instead I find I just project.
I want to stop and pray my Lord To find the rest you promise so To leave the work in your hands As you lead me to the silent lands.
After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. – Matthew 14:23
As the year wraps up, it’s time to look back and celebrate the posts that have resonated with you, my dear readers. To begin with, this year hasn’t exactly been a literary whirlwind. It’s been more a little bit of randomness and some adaptation of other content I’ve worked on. Evidently there are a few people who appreciate my ramblings though, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy my writing and share it too.
Just like my post on the Top Books of 2024, without further ado, here are the stats and then a summary of the posts that had the most views.
Enjoy.
THE STATS:
Total Views: 8,944 (Clearly, you still like me!)
Unique Visitors: 7,058 (Some of you even brought friends—thanks!)
Comments: 11 (Keep them coming; I’m lonely over here)
Likes: 20 (A number so small, even my posts feel insecure)
Posts Published: 14 or 10,645 words (Let’s call it “quality over quantity”)
This post explores the sacrificial love of God, vividly demonstrated through the cross of Christ. Drawing on 1 John 4, it reflects on how God’s love transforms our sin and brokenness into something good through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. If you’ve ever doubted God’s love or struggled with the weight of sin, this post will remind you of the grace that calls you “perfect” even in your mess.
Looking at Mark 14:53-65, this post unpacks the unjust trial of Jesus as both a moment of human injustice and a divine fulfilment of prophecy. Jesus’ silence, His declaration of being the Son of Man, and His willingness to endure suffering reveal the depths of God’s plan for salvation. It’s a reflection that leads us to the cross with gratitude and confidence in Christ’s work.
Inspired by Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, this post delves into his reflections on the complete forgiveness found in Jesus. Luther’s bold and comforting words remind us that forgiveness is not something we earn but something Christ gives freely through His sacrifice.
So, after posting about my reading in 2024 and giving some recommendations for the year this post got a little traction. It ended up sneaking into the top 5 within a week. If you’d like to see what I’ve been reading and what books you might like to add to your list this coming year then heading over and have a look.
Adoniram Judson’s marriage proposal to Ann Hasseltine is anything but ordinary. This post recounts the radical faith behind his request, as he asked Ann’s parents to release their daughter to a life of missionary hardship—and possibly death. Ann’s courageous response highlights the cost of following Christ and her shared commitment to God’s mission. It’s a love story that’s as inspiring as it is humbling.
This book review highlights the life and legacy of Adoniram Judson, the father of American missions. Through the lens of Duesing’s collection of essays, this post explores Judson’s faith in God’s sovereignty, his endurance through suffering, and his commitment to long-term service. If you’re looking for a book to inspire your faith and challenge your perspective on missions, this review will convince you to pick it up.
So there you have it: my greatest hits of 2024. Thanks for reading, sharing, and sticking with me—even through my quieter years. This blog wouldn’t exist without you (well, it would, but it’d feel more like me talking to myself).
This is something I’ve done in previous years, which you can find here: Top posts for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. I also have a collection of writings published elsewhere on the inter-webs, which you can read here.
Got a favourite post or a burning topic you’d love me to tackle in 2025? Drop me a comment or message.
I’ve done very little writing on this blog in 2022.
So little writing you’d almost think I’ve given this away!
But, this isn’t the case. Life circumstances have changed and publishing content through this website hasn’t been a priority these past 12 months. A change in churches and moving into a Lead Pastor role has meant I’ve continued to write, just not for my personal blog here. There is a hope that as I continue to settle into the role I will begin publishing here again. As I posted last week, I continue to read which often leads to review posts or reading recommendations here and there.
Nevertheless, this year has still seen plenty of visitors and people checking out some old posts. Below is a bit of a summary of who has popped by and what they’ve been interested in. This is something I’ve done in previous years, which you can find here: Top posts for 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. I also have a collection of writings published elsewhere on the inter-webs, which you can read here.
As to what has been popular on joncoombs.com this past year, here are the top five posts for 2022:
All in all I have only posted 4 times this year, one of those posts being this one. However, in total I have had:
7662 views from 4828 visitors.
I’ve had 7 comments and 28 likes on these last 3 posts.
A big thanks to all those who do come and have a read. It’s quite humbling and amazing anyone would come and check this place out. Look out for more via social media or go ahead an subscribe so I can regularly hit up your inbox.
