How does Christian hope express itself? Christian hope is not expressed by a life of escapism or by pride in our own efforts. Christian hope is founded on a single truth: the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Messiah. First Corinthians 15:50–58 show us that Christian hope is expressed in a hope for life, victory and how this changes our present lives. I tell you … [Read more...]
Answer the Call (Mark 1:16–20)
Many things that we now take for granted began in very small, unnoticed ways and, often, in out-of-the-way places. For example, Microsoft began in a college dorm room by a young man who would soon drop out of university. Apple had a similarly inauspicious beginning. The rest, as they say, is history. Other things, which have become almost household words, also had an … [Read more...]
What Paul is Telling Us about the Real Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1–11)
In the December 2017 edition of the National Geographic magazine, American archaeologist-turned-journalist, Kristin Romey, contributed a story titled, “What Archaeology is Telling Us about the Real Jesus.” She writes, not as one doubting the existence of a person named Jesus of Nazareth (though she acknowledges that there are some who do so), but as one who seeks to sift … [Read more...]
Celebrating the Cross (Philippians 2:1–11)
Good Friday. Why is it good? A lot of people will answer saying, because they can sleep in and have a holiday, a day off at work, long weekend. Those are all true, but why is it good for us? Why do we gather on this unique Friday? After all, we are celebrating the death—the suffering and crucifixion—of Jesus. That sounds terrible. And yet the day marks the dramatic and perfect … [Read more...]
A Glorious Meal (Matthew 26:17–30)
Jesus Christ is the perfect fulfilment of the Passover meal. As we consider this meal’s historical context and its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, may we have a revived approach to the Lord’s Supper and its significance, not just over the Easter weekend, but at every remembrance of him. … [Read more...]