THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 51-53 “After he has suffered, he will see the light of life.” (Isaiah 53:11) These words in ch.53 are a very clear prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection. They are in the context of God’s promise of rescue and restoration. How would the people who heard these words understand them? God’s servant…
Pastoral Care in the Church (2)
ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES 1) The Meaning of Pastoral Care 2) The Methods of Pastoral Care 3) The Purpose of of ‘Home Visiting’ 4) Developing Effective Pastoral Care EARLY CHURCH METHODS OF PASTORAL CARE We do not know all of the ways that the early church cared for God’s sheep (Acts 20:28). But we do catch…
God so loved all people!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 48-50 “That my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6) Within these chapters we sense the tension between God’s frustration and compassion. God hates the sin in the world, yet He loves the people of the world. God cannot ignore or tolerate sin, nor can He forget His…
Pastoral Care in the Church (1)
ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES 1) The Meaning of Pastoral Care 2) The Methods of Pastoral Care 3) The Purpose of of ‘Home Visiting’ 4) Developing Effective Pastoral Care RETHINKING PASTORAL CARE If you’ve been raised in the church, you’ve heard of ‘pastoral care’. Most often the term is associated with the work of the ‘pastor’,…
Family tensions!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 17:1-3 “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come…” (Luke 17:1) Guaranteed, we will face obstacles, challenges and temptations in life. Playing the victim will not help us, because we always will be. As Jesus followers, we ought to always be on guard against Satan’s schemes. We also have to…
How we live this life matters for the next!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:19-31 “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.” (Luke 19:29) This parable is a reminder that we need to read the bible with care. I have heard people refer to this parable as proof of how the afterlife works. The wicked will experience the agony of fire, and…
A cross, not a sword!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:16-18 “Kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing their way into it.” (Luke 16:16) Who is forcing (the word means ‘violence’) their way into the kingdom? Similarly in Matthew 11:12 Jesus refers to people violently opposing His message. Ironically, it was the religious people who attacked Him to defend the Law….
Its good to laugh at ourselves!
Ruined by what we love!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:10-15 “What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15) Once again Jesus uses hyperbole (extreme statement) to make a point. We humans value many things, including good things. But for some reason we tend to highly value not-so-good things. Our sinful, selfish hearts value what makes us feel good….
Always time to praise the Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 92 “It is good to praise the Lord…” (Psalm 92:12) This psalm says it is good for us to us to praise the Lord. Why would it be healthy, and helpful, to praise the Lord. If we dwell on what is good, hopeful, positive, inspiring, we will benefit. But negative, discouraging, dark…