THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:49-56 “‘Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.’” (Luke 8:52) I remember seeing the movie The Matrix for the first time. The idea behind the plot is that the world we know isn’t real, it is an illusion. A computer-generated illusion that keeps us slaves, powering the machine. But…
Welcoming faith strugglers!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:40-48 “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48) Here again I am encouraged by the simple faith that Jesus honours. It is not ‘understanding the faith’ (beliefs) that helps, heals, or saves us. It is any move towards God – uncertain or desperate or confident – for help….
What am I focussing on? (2)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:26-39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39) I like how Jesus encourages this man to share his story. Too often christians focus on the bible or church teachings. This man knew very little about these things. But he knew what God had done for him…
What am I focussing on? (1)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:26-39 “The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs.” (Luke 8:32) So why did the demons beg to go into the pigs? The answer gives us insight into how Satan works. Satan and his angels are messengers of fear, doubt, deception. Their ultimate goal is to get humans to…
Desensitized?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 79 “They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem.” (Psalm 79:3) Blood represents the preciousness of life – all over the ground. Every murder is an echo of Abel’s blood, crying out for justice (Genesis 4:10). This Psalm was written by a Jew, but it also applies to all people. Our…
The path to life, prosperity and honor!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 20-22 “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21) Jesus pursued righteousness and love – what did He find? That depends on WHEN we’re looking in His life. For His life on earth, He did not find life, prosperity and honor. But after His death, God found Him…
Shorter sermons?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 17-19 “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21) Do we realize how penetrating words can be, how they can heal or hurt? As one who uses words for a living, I sometimes forget this. How many people have been blessed by my words without my knowing it? But…
Resting through the storm?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:22-25 “As they sailed, he fell asleep.” (Luke 8:24) I wonder, was Jesus so exhausted that not even a storm could wake Him? Or had He learned the art of resting in God, no matter what? What strikes me about Jesus is how peaceful and still He seems to be. This is…
Jesus’s family values!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:19-21 “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” If anyone should be able to claim special ties to Jesus it was His family. But being born into His family does not make you His family. Being born into the church (as I was)…
Consider carefully!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:16-18 “Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” (Luke 8:18) The previous parable (vv.4-15) was about hearing and listening. These words explain that parable further: what happens when we truly hear. If something is received, it will be visible – like a lit lamp. If I claim to have received the message, it…