THE STORY OF JESUS: Hebrews 3-5 “Tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) Many churches and religions still appoint ‘priests’. A priest is a middle man (or mediators) between God and people. The problem with human priests is they let us down, they sin, they are limited. But…
Focus on Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Hebrews 1-2 “At present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus…” (Hebrews 2:8) God put us in charge of His creation… it doesn’t look too good does it? Sin, misery and violence have free reign, everything is cursed with death. We see and experience so much evil……
The God we’re looking for
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 17:16-23 “So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship…” (Acts 17:23) I believe most people worship God, yet do not know that they do. We were designed to love, honour and serve that which is ultimate, good, worthy. But having lost our fellowship with God, we latch on to the…
More noble character
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 17:10-15 “They examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11) The noble Berean Jews were open and eager, not hostile to the message of Jesus. They didn’t swallow it whole, but dug deep into the scriptures to confirm it. This is how the Bereans “more…
A different kind of politics!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 17:1-9 “They are saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” (Acts 17:7) Guilty as charged… this IS what Paul and Silas were saying. This is also what we say, if we believe in Who Jesus is. It sounds less troubling in our day, because we no longer recognize kings. We…
Praise in my prison?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 16:25-40 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.” (Acts 16:25) This is mind-blowing, singing when they are in shackles and chains. They do not run away when the earthquake opens the doors. The jailer and his family are converted because of this radical faith. There’s a lot…
Pursue justice with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 140 “I know the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” (Psalm 140:12) This is a victim’s prayer, their pain and fear overflowing in desperation. Their prayer is for justice, for God to take up their cause. When I hear of ongoing suffering and misery in…
My confidence!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Timothy 3-4 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Paul is an inspiring example of the perseverance of faith. Despite opposition, persecution and betrayal, he hangs on to Jesus and God. He remains hopeful and confident, and urges Timothy to do the…
The strength of our anchor!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Timothy 1-2 “He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) Paul urges Timothy to stay loyal – unlike Phygelus and Hermogenes, like Onesiphorus. It can’t have been easy for Paul, to have supporters turn from God and from him. He put everything – his very…
Aware of his schemes!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 16:16-24 “These men are servants of the Most High God, telling you the way to be saved.” (Acts 16:17) Why would this spirit of prediction speak the truth like this? Jesus had the same experience, where demons declared who He was (Mark 1:24). Its not that spirits cannot lie, it is their native…