We are continuing our studies in the Beatitudes. ‘And they lived happily ever after’ is often the start of a fairytale. But we are made happy today because we are able to see and know God in his word. When we see God, we want to draw closer. To draw close to God we need […]
People generally consider what they are doing before drinking wine. We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper today and we want to think about what the drinking of the wine and breaking of the bread represents. We consider Christ as a thirst-quencher, someone who satisfies our thirst, but also as a cleanser to wash us clean.
Blessed be the merciful for they will be shown mercy. When people suffer, they feel the people who have made them suffer should suffer too. That’s the norm. The beatitudes are not naturally the way we behave. We need help to be what God wants us to be: merciful. ‘A ladder of light’ is what Charles Spurgeon […]
The Beatles once claimed that they were bigger than Jesus. However, when we read our bibles, we see this cannot be true – he is the Son of God and the most influential figure in history. The identity of Jesus is what it’s all about. We are running a Christianity Explored course soon which explores the […]
Levi was a tax-collector. Tax collectors were considered by the Jews to be traitors because they collected taxes for the enemy, the Romans, and exploited their position to their own benefit. They were not allowed in the synagogue, being regarded by the Pharisees as unclean and sinners. In this bible passage, Levi is rescued by Jesus. […]
The marvellous grace of our loving Lord. It means receiving the kindness of God, the opposite of what we deserve. C S Lewis was asked what made Christianity different from any other religion and he replied that with other religions you get what you deserve, but Christianity teaches that God sent his only Son to […]
We are going to think through that phrase in verses 8 and 16: God is Love. Love is part of God’s eternal being; beyond our comprehension, but as a believer we can know Him. It is often misunderstood because our society thinks of love in a sentimental way or a therapeutic way that makes us feel […]
… and thirst after righteousness for they will be filled’. We long for things like holidays, football matches and even the outcome of referendums. However, these things don’t last and can lead to disappointment. For Christians, our lives should show that we are longing for righteousness. We have to be careful not to put things like […]
We continue our studies in Mark looking at the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus is in Capernaum. The people have heard he is there, the news has spread and the crowds have gathered in a house to listen to Jesus preaching. They listen to someone who speaks with authority. Imagine the scene – the heat and […]
So far in chapter 1 of the gospel of Mark, there have been two key moments: the Holy Spirit has descended on Jesus Jesus says the kingdom of God is here – repent & believe The ministry of Jesus Christ has begun and Mark explains the many reasons why we should follow Jesus: he has […]