15–21 January 2017. Luke 6:27–49 (click to read). What does it mean to be like God? That’s a difficult question that many people have argued about all through history. For some, to be like God means having enormous power; it means bossing people around and telling them what to do. For some, to be like God […]
8–14 January 2017. Luke 3:21–38 (click to read). If we take a very simple look at the Christmas story, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the coming of Christ was somehow just part of God’s backup plan. We read through the Old Testament and look at the way that Abraham and […]
1–7 January 2017. Malachi 3–4 (click to read). Over the last few weeks we have already heard other Minor Prophets talk about their hope for a coming Messiah, one who will come judge the people. Sometimes that sounded frightening because the prophets imagined the Messiah would be like a violent king coming to destroy Israel’s enemies. […]
25–31 December 2016. Zephaniah 3 (click to read). Merry Christmas everyone! Zephaniah 3 is a beautiful and well-known text that we often read in the church during Advent, in the lead up to Christmas. That’s because it is a text full of hope and joy, and the promise of our coming Saviour. But the chapter […]
18–24 December 2016. Micah 1–3 (click to read). In the book of Micah we see many of the same themes that were raised last week by Amos, especially the concern about economic oppression and corruption, and the abuse of the poor and weak. Really, this is a constant theme all through the Bible and in […]
11–17 December 2016. Amos 3–4 (click to read). One of the biggest temptations we face in our faith lives is the idea that our faith has nothing at all to do with the outside world. Even worse is the idea that our faith has nothing to do with how we make our money. It’s easy […]
4–10 December 2016. Hosea 9–10 (click to read). Let me ask you a question: If you thought there was no way for you to be punished for something, would you do it? In Hosea 9–10, the Israelites were so happy. The economy was going well, the country was developing, and there was prosperity and joy. The […]
27 November – 3 December 2016. Daniel 7–8 (click to read). What a shocking year we have been through. In 2016 we have seen government supported killings on the streets of the Philippines; we have watched the UK break apart and surrender to hatred in the Brexit vote; we have seen a violent grasp for […]
20–26 November 2016. Ezekiel 41–42 (click to read). The Book of Ezekiel began with prophecies telling the people of Jerusalem how they had ruined everything. God’s presence had been with them there in the city, God’s glory had rested in the temple. But because of the people’s many sins, they had made the land unclean, and […]
Bonus Text, November 2016. Ezekiel 29–30 (click to read). One of the best blessings in life is to have a great friend, someone who shares in our happiness and makes life enjoyable. A friend is someone who encourages us and cares for us. And best of all, a friend is dependable. When things go wrong, […]