This morning we take a look at the opening verses of Jude for encouragement. Jude’s letter is surprisingly brief—but its scope is eternal. It is nothing short of a reality shock for a dangerously complacent church.
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude v 1-2
Jude is a relatively unknown figure in the New Testament. But if (as is most likely) he is the Judas/Jude who is the brother of James, it almost certainly means he was one of Jesus’ biological brothers (Mark 6 v 3).... continue reading
This afternoon we look at some verses from the book of James for advice on responding to temptation.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:16-18... continue reading
Have you ever had a problem that kept you awake at night? Maybe you did something wrong and you were afraid that you would be discovered. Or perhaps you were worried that things were going to go badly in the morning. Wouldn’t it be great to have peace and confidence so that you could sleep soundly?... continue reading
Who are your heroes in life—the examples you follow and the models you look up to? Hebrews chapter 3 is all about faithfulness. It begins with a positive example to follow in v 1-6.
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.... continue reading
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,... continue reading
As we dip into chapter 11 of Luke’s Gospel, the antagonism between Jesus and His opponents is ratcheting up, notch by notch. How will God’s chosen King respond to living in a society increasingly opposed to Him? And how should His followers live in such a society, then and today?
33 ‘No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.’ Luke 11 v 33-36... continue reading
There are many views on how to obtain blessing in life. Some seek it from God through working hard for Him, making sacrifices to Him. Others seek it apart from Him, through money or career or something else.
In these verses, Peter explains definitively how it is done!
2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1 v 2-4... continue reading
On Monday we looked at Psalm 32 and the blessings that come from confessing our sin to God. This morning we look at the second half of this Psalm:
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
There is perhaps no greater freedom than a clear conscience. Disease buffets the body, but guilt sinks the soul. And, unlike some diseases, there is a cure for guilt.
1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:1-5... continue reading
Nothing unmasks our true spiritual condition quite like our attitude towards money. We may think we’re not materialistic, but our response to wealth reveals our hearts. At this time of year, when lots of us are feeling the pinch after Christmas, it’s great to be reminded of Jesus’ words:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21... continue reading