Dear MUC family Over the next few days I will be walking you through the book of Lamentations. I trust it will help you respond biblically to the Corona Virus Pandemic. Whereas Job deals with the problem of personal suffering, Lamentations deals with the problem of national disasters like famine, warfare and global pandemics. InContinue reading “Lamentations | 1 | Jerusalem in her desolation”
Author Archives: Angus McKee
Lamentations | 2 |
The book of Lamentations helps God’s people make sense out of national disasters. For example Lamentations is where the Jews turned for help and comfort when their temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. It is also where the American-Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) turned for the text of the last movement ofContinue reading “Lamentations | 2 |”
Lamentations | 3 |
Yesterday we started to look at Lamentations 3 and were comforted by vrs 24. We all know that it was the inspiration behind the hymn “Great is Thy faithfulness.” The hymn writer Thomas Chisholm was born in 1866. He suffered from ill-health for most of his adult life and due to extended periods where heContinue reading “Lamentations | 3 |”
Lamentations | 4 | Unearthing idols
READ LAMENTATIONS 4 Lamentations 4 does not make for pleasant reading. The dark clouds of desperation that filled Jerusalem in the days following it destruction impacted social values. In vrs 3 we read how people became cruel neglecting even the compassion that animals gave their offspring. Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young,Continue reading “Lamentations | 4 | Unearthing idols”
Lamentations | 5 | A roadmap to grace
Fairy tales often end with those words “and they lived happily ever after.” There are no “and they live happily ever after” moments in Lamentations. The book ends without resolution and with questions lingering. The people’s suffering remains. Life remains a daily struggle. The temple still lies in ruins. However the book ends with aContinue reading “Lamentations | 5 | A roadmap to grace”
HOW CAN WE BE THE BODY OF CHRIST WHEN PHYSICALLY SEPARATED?
Christians all over the world are asking this question as we respond to restrictive measures which have been implemented to combat the spread of the coronavirus. One of the main metaphors for the church in the Bible is of a body. A body that has its individual parts removed from one another is unnatural. WeContinue reading “HOW CAN WE BE THE BODY OF CHRIST WHEN PHYSICALLY SEPARATED?”
Praying in the Psalms | Part 1
Over the next few days we will look at selected Psalms that speak to different life situations. One of the great things about the psalms is that they speak to us exactly where we are. We can be in a valley or on a mountain top. We can be up or down but there isContinue reading “Praying in the Psalms | Part 1”
Praying the Psalms | Part 2
Psalm 34 is a joyful psalm and has much to teach us about responding to trouble. God has just delivered David from certain death at the hands of angry Philistines who were baying for his blood. We can sense David’s joy. In vrs 1-3 he invites us to rejoice with him. I will extol theContinue reading “Praying the Psalms | Part 2”
Praying the Psalms | Part 3
The fifteen psalms 120-134 are traditionally called the Songs of Ascents. Ten of them are anonymous, four of them are written by David and one by Solomon. They were sung by pilgrims making their way up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three major Jewish festivals. READ PSALM 121 BACKGROUND TO PSALM 121 The reason theseContinue reading “Praying the Psalms | Part 3”
Praying the Psalms | Part 4
We all ask numerous questions every day, but surely the question asked in this Psalm could not be more important. Psalm 15 gives us a portrait of a godly person. Godliness is not a mystical quality but a moral quality. In the 19th century there was a preacher in the USA called Charles Finney whoContinue reading “Praying the Psalms | Part 4”
Praying the Psalms | Part 5
Our psalm for today has much to teach us about responding to a crisis. The number of coronavirus cases and deaths continue to escalate and governments all over the world are struggling to contain it. Stock-markets are struggling to inspire any sort of investor confidence. South Africa is undeniably in recession, established companies are closingContinue reading “Praying the Psalms | Part 5”
Praying the Psalms | Part 6
Today we are going to learn from David the value of cultivating the daily rhythm of evening prayer (Psalm 4) and morning prayer (Psalms 3&5). These prayers are placed early in the book of Psalms to serve as our guides. We will only have time to meditate on the evening prayer in Psalm 4. WhereContinue reading “Praying the Psalms | Part 6”
Holy Monday | Part 1
As we enter the Easter week it will profit us immensely to examine what the Scriptures have to say about Jesus’ ministry during this week. How did he occupy his time? HOLY MONDAYIn Mark 11:11 we are told that after Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday he went up to theContinue reading “Holy Monday | Part 1”
Holy Tuesday | Part 2
If the cleansing of the temple occupied Jesus’ time on Holy Monday it seems that teaching dominates Holy Tuesday. HOLY TUESDAYThere is a well-known story associated with the Mona Lisa. Two women have come into Paris from the countryside and visit the Louvre to view the famous painting. As they stand there in front ofContinue reading “Holy Tuesday | Part 2”
Holy Wednesday / Spy Wednesday | Part 3
HOLY WEDNESDAY / SPY WEDNESDAYThe previous few days have been packed with drama – Sunday’s triumphal entry, Monday’s temple cleansing, and Tuesday’s teaching. Now on Spy Wednesday evil is lurking in the shadows. Because of Judas Iscariot’s decision to betray Jesus, Holy Wednesday is sometimes called “Spy Wednesday”. The word spy, as used in theContinue reading “Holy Wednesday / Spy Wednesday | Part 3”
Maundy Thursday | Part 4
MAUNDY THURSDAYThursday in Holy Week is most commonly referred to as Maundy Thursday. Why Maundy? Maundy is a shortened form of the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” What command does Maundy Thursday refer to? In John 13:34, 35 we read “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,Continue reading “Maundy Thursday | Part 4”
Holy Saturday | Part 5
Those of you who read a lot will know the feeling that overcomes us as we near the end of a thrilling novel. The finish line is in sight and the tension is building. We ask ourselves the questions. Will the hero survive? Will the heroine finally find marital happiness? We have this irresistible urgeContinue reading “Holy Saturday | Part 5”
Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 1
For this week following Easter Sunday it would profit us immensely to focus on a number of Jesus’ post resurrection appearances. EASTER SUNDAY – READ LUKE 24:1-12Thomas Jefferson, though a great American statesman, could not accept the miraculous elements in scripture. Because of his bias he edited his own version of the bible in whichContinue reading “Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 1”
Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 2
The resurrection lies at the heart of the gospel. Notice how the apostle Paul summarises the gospel in 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel. Of course there are many other elements in the gospel – Christ’s atoning death, his imputed righteousness, forgiveness of sins,Continue reading “Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 2”
Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 3
We have been examining a selection of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. During the Second World War there was a very famous atheistic professor of Philosophy at London University – CEM Joad. He was once asked on a radio interview an intriguing question. “Who, of all the past figures in history, would you most like to haveContinue reading “Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 3”
Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 4
As John 21:14 says this was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples following his resurrection. TO SEVEN DISCIPLES FISHING – READ JOHN 21It is always a moving thing to go back to a place filled with memories. It can be the place you fell in love, or the graveside of a loved oneContinue reading “Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 4”
Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 5
A former Archbishop of Cape Town was interviewed and asked a few theological questions. This is what he said; “there are certain tenets of the Christian faith which are important; that Jesus lived, that he died, that he was buried and that he was raised.” So far so good. Then the interviewer asked a moreContinue reading “Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 5”
Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 6
If you had to identify the most significant event of your life what would it be? Some of you may choose your marriage. Others may point to a new job opportunity. Some may point to your graduation day. You never thought you would make it but there you were in academic gown collecting your certificate.Continue reading “Jesus’s Resurrection Appearances | Part 6”
The Apostles Creed | Part 1
The first historical reference to the Apostles’ Creed, is by a man named Rufinus in 390 A.D. He relates the story that each of the twelve apostles, including Matthias who replaced Judas, gave one of the affirmations in the creed. There really is no proof for that theory. There is virtually no evidence that theContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 1”
The Apostles Creed | Part 2
The Apostles’ Creed appeared in various forms during the early centuries of the church. But it was standardized by about A.D. 700 in Latin. A popular modern English translation reads as follows: I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived byContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 2”
The Apostles Creed | Part 3
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended into hell.The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 3”
The Apostles Creed | Part 4
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended into hell.The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 4”
The Apostles Creed | Part 6
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;[He descended into hell.]The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 6”
The Apostles Creed | Part 7
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;[He descended into hell.]The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven, AndContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 7”
The Apostles Creed | Part 8
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;[He descended into hell.]The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 8”
The Apostles Creed | Part 9
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;[He descended into hell.]The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 9”
The Apostles Creed | Part 10
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;[He descended into hell.]The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 10”
The Apostles Creed | Part 11
I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,And born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, died, and was buried;[He descended into hell.]The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven,And isContinue reading “The Apostles Creed | Part 11”
Counsel from the Book of Job | 1
As we continue to struggle with the Covid19 pandemic it will do us good to turn to the book of Job for some time tested counsel. In Job 1:1 we are told that he lived in the land of Uz (probably just below the Dead Sea between Edom and North Arabia). It seems most likelyContinue reading “Counsel from the Book of Job | 1”
Counsel from the Book of Job | 2
We have seen that the book of Job consists of a short prologue (chap 1&2) and an even shorter epilogue (chap 42). The rest of the book consists of a series of dialogues that Job has with three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar before a fourth friend Elihu enters the fray in chapter 32. YesterdayContinue reading “Counsel from the Book of Job | 2”
Counsel from the Book of Job | 3
The first two lessons Job has to teach us is to remind us that God is sovereign and that we can add to people’s suffering if we are poor counsellors. This morning Job teaches us something about the added burdens prolonged suffering can bring to bear on someone’s life. A faith that starts out strongContinue reading “Counsel from the Book of Job | 3”
Counsel from the Book of Job | 4
Job’s three friends adopted a “cause and effect” world view which implied that problems (like human suffering) are analogous to maths problems. They might look hard at first, but they are easily solved once you apply the right formula. For them it was simple – either Job was bad or God was bad. In responseContinue reading “Counsel from the Book of Job | 4”
Counsel from the Book of Job | 5
In JD Greear’s book “Not God Enough” he invites us to imagine a seven year old on a field trip to Cape Canaveral to observe a rocket launch. The child begins lecturing the rocket scientist about why the rocket won’t fly. “That rocket is too heavy. It’s the wrong shape. It needs wings.” The scientistContinue reading “Counsel from the Book of Job | 5”
Counsel from the Book of Job | 6
Joni Eareckson Tada once spoke to a former pastor on the phone. He had broken his neck in a motor cycle accident. As a result he had to resign from his pastoral position. He was deeply depressed. His wife had asked Joni to contact him. She shared her own life story with Ron and readContinue reading “Counsel from the Book of Job | 6”
Ordinary People | Part 1
Five metres inside the main entrance of Westminster Abbey in London and set into the floor, is a large block of black marble. Cut into the marble and picked out in gold leaf are these words: “Beneath this stone lies the body of a British Warrior unknown by name or rank. Brought from France toContinue reading “Ordinary People | Part 1”
Ordinary People | Part 2
Yesterday we noted that the Kingdom of God expands not only because of well- known Christian leaders but also because of the number of faithful foot soldiers. Some of them are better known than others. One of the most delightful couples in the NT is Aquila and Priscilla. Every local church today is blessed withContinue reading “Ordinary People | Part 2”
Ordinary People | Part 3
There is a long tradition in the British army that an officer who is particularly commended for courage in action and who is mentioned in dispatches by his commanding officer can wear a small bronze oak leaf on his right breast or on his campaign medal. The majority of these men are unknown to us.Continue reading “Ordinary People | Part 3”
Ordinary People | Part 4
I am sure if we review our Christian lives and are asked to identify people who have impacted us greatly we may identify a pastor under whose ministry we grew in leaps and bounds. I am absolutely persuaded however that we would also choose some ordinary church member who had an extraordinary influence on us.Continue reading “Ordinary People | Part 4”
Ordinary People | Part 5
Someone once said “every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” This morning we are going to look at a scoundrel who met Christ and whose life was turned right side up. ONESIMUS (COLOSSIANS 4:9; PHILEMON)In the short letter to Philemon we can deduce that Onesimus was a slave in the householdContinue reading “Ordinary People | Part 5”
Ordinary People | Part 6
The bible as well as church history are full of examples that prove that failure need never be the last word in our lives. John Mark in the New Testament is a great example of someone who failed in his early years but was spiritually restored and went on to become immensely useful to theContinue reading “Ordinary People | Part 6”
James | Part 1
There are only two people prominent enough in the early church to simply call themselves “James.” The first would be the brother of John and the other was the Lord’s half-brother. The first James was martyred too early (AD 44) to have written this letter. It is commonly agreed that the author was Jesus’ halfContinue reading “James | Part 1”
James | Part 2
When we come to James 1:13 we could be forgiven for thinking that James is changing subjects. He has finished talking about trials. Now he wants to speak about temptations. I want you to know that this is not the case. THE SOURCE AND COURSE OF TEMPTATION (James 1:13-18)You see the Greek word translated “trials”Continue reading “James | Part 2”
James | Part 3
At the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II she was presented with a bible and the person who gave it to her said; “this is the most precious thing that this world affords.” True! But for many Christians the bible remains a closed book. THE CHRISTIAN AND THE WORD OF GOD (James 1:19-25)The puritan preacher WilliamContinue reading “James | Part 3”
James | Part 4
TRUE AND FALSE RELIGION (James 1:26, 27)Most people, Christian and non-Christian are uncomfortable with this word religion. For some people the word religion conjures up images of priests in ecclesiastical robes, and bells and smells. Some Christians who have got this kind of dead formality in mind seem overly anxious to let it be known;Continue reading “James | Part 4”
James | Part 5
THE DANGER OF FAVOURITISM (James 2:1-9)In this passage James pictures a church meeting. Two strangers arrive. One is clearly wealthy. He is dressed in fine clothes and has gold rings. The Greek word means gold fingered. He had a gem on every joint in his hand! The other man was just as plainly poor. HisContinue reading “James | Part 5”
James | Part 6
FAITH THAT WORKS (JAMES 2:14-26)In our passage this morning James distinguishes between a faith that is living and a faith that is dead. It is very important as we read these verses that we understand that James is not contradicting the apostle Paul. Paul consistently taught that we are justified by faith alone. James isContinue reading “James | Part 6”
James | Part 7
A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH (JAMES 3:1-12)The phrase “weapons of mass destruction” has become a common saying. The scriptures teach us that we all have a weapon of mass destruction. Our tongues! In Proverbs 18:21 we read; the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat itsContinue reading “James | Part 7”
James | Part 8
TWO KINDS OF WISDOM (James 3:13-18)When pastors gather, we often speak about some of the books that have been of particular blessing to us. We jokingly say; “whatever it takes. Sell your house, sell your car, sell the shirt of your back but get this book.” Well in Proverbs 4:7 Solomon has something of theContinue reading “James | Part 8”
James | Part 9
HOW NOT TO BE A TWO-FACED CHRISTIAN (James 4:4-10)From time to time we will refer to someone as “two faced.” What do we mean by this? We mean that the person in mind acts in a certain way when around one set of people and then acts in an entirely different way when in theContinue reading “James | Part 9”
James | Part 10
DEO VOLENTE (James 4:13-17)A Time magazine a few years ago suggested that if wars are fought today over oil we will be waging war over water in the not too distant future. Scripture speaks of another precious resource which we often squander and abuse. Time. Someone once placed an advert which read as follows; “Lost,Continue reading “James | Part 10”
James | Part 11
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY (James 5:1-6)In these verses James addresses rich landowners. He accuses them of three things but of course his accusations apply equally well to all of us. ACCUSES THEM OF HOARDING (vrs 1-3)Someone once asked the American billionaire, Rockerfeller; “how many millions does it take to satisfy a man?” His reply was –Continue reading “James | Part 11”
James | Part 12
LIVE LOOKING UP!! (James 5:7-12)The Christian social reformer of the 19th century, the Earl of Shaftesbury embossed all his envelopes with the Greek text of Revelation 22:20 Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. He would frequently say; “Why do we not plead for it every time we hear the clock strike. He lived each day looking up.Continue reading “James | Part 12”
James | Part 13
A MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER (James 5:13-18)Photographers have a whole series of lenses which they use depending on what they want to accomplish. If they want a panoramic perspective, they will use the wide-angle lens. If they want detail, they will use a zoom lens. In this passage of scripture, we see evidence of bothContinue reading “James | Part 13”
James | Part 14
HEALING (James 5:14-16)Yesterday I said that in this we see evidence of both a wide-angle lens and a zoom lens. We used the wide-angle lens yesterday to look at Elijah as a model for effective praying. This morning we take the zoom lens out of our camera bags and focus on one particular aspect ofContinue reading “James | Part 14”
James | Part 15
RECLAIMING THE WANDERER (James 5:19, 20)Our text this morning instructs us as to our responsibility toward our fellow believers. Here is this brother or sister. They start to wander from the truth. They have started to stray from the paths of righteousness. They need someone to love them enough to bring them back again. THEREContinue reading “James | Part 15”
The Poor | Part 1
Over the next few days we will be looking at wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Each day I hope to illustrate Solomonic wisdom from a narrative portion in Scripture. We will start by examining what we can learn about our attitude to the poor. RICH MAN POOR MAN (Luke 16:19-31)There are three kinds ofContinue reading “The Poor | Part 1”
Sexual Purity | Part 2
In this series of devotions, I am tracing particular themes through Proverbs and illustrating it with a narrative account from elsewhere in the Scriptures. For today’s study on sexual purity Proverbs 7 will provide our narrative backdrop. SEXUAL IMPURITY (Proverbs 7)There was a rather famous edition of the King James Version of the bible thatContinue reading “Sexual Purity | Part 2”
Anger | Part 5
This morning we will see what we can learn from Proverbs to deal with anger in our lives. There is such a thing as righteous anger which is aroused by that which is sinful. When the apostle Paul arrived in Athens and saw evidence of all the idolatry, we are told that he was greatlyContinue reading “Anger | Part 5”
Laziness | Part 6
It is quite surprising to see how much Solomon has to say about the sluggard. We don’t tend to regard laziness as a sin – but it is. I see aspects of it in my own character. I tend to be a terrible procrastinator. Work that should get done somehow gets left for a rainyContinue reading “Laziness | Part 6”
A well-ordered society | Part 7
The book of Proverbs has much to teach us about how a country functions optimally when we have a combination of good leaders and responsible citizens. A WELL-ORDERED SOCIETY (Proverbs 29)In Romans 13 the state is described as the servant of God which wields His authority. In Revelation 13 it is pictured as the redContinue reading “A well-ordered society | Part 7”
Humility | Part 8
Last week we examined what the book of Proverbs has to teach us about pride. This morning we will examine the subject of humility. When Augustine was asked to name the three most important virtues of the Christian life he said, first humility, second humility, and third humility. HUMILITY (Numbers 12)If pride is the epidemicContinue reading “Humility | Part 8”
Blessed are the poor in spirit | Part 1
For the next few days, we will be examining the beatitudes which Jesus outlines at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. In what has been described as the greatest sermon ever preached Jesus outlines the counter cultural values of his kingdom and instructs us how we are to swim against the current ofContinue reading “Blessed are the poor in spirit | Part 1”
Blessed are those who mourn | Part 2
There is a natural progression in the order of these beatitudes. They are like a stack of dominoes that are carefully erected. When you push the first one over the rest come tumbling down. The first domino is poverty of spirit which we looked at last time. You can never mourn over sin or beContinue reading “Blessed are those who mourn | Part 2”
Blessed are the meek | Part 3
The world despises meekness. In this third beatitude we see that God highly prizes it. What the world scoffs at the Lord values. In 2013 a painting that had laid in an attic for over a hundred years was taken out for proper authentication. It turned out that it was a Vincent Van Gogh originalContinue reading “Blessed are the meek | Part 3”
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness | Part 4
When your dog loses its appetite you know that it has got a problem. You had better make an appointment with the vet. When a baby suddenly does not want to drink you know that you have a problem. Make an appointment with the doctor! When a Christian loses their appetite for God you haveContinue reading “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness | Part 4”
Blessed are the merciful | Part 5
The first four beatitudes line up with the last four. The first four are inner attitudes and the last four are their outward manifestation. When we have poverty of spirit and we realise that we are nothing but beggars, we will be willing to give to another beggar – we will be merciful. When weContinue reading “Blessed are the merciful | Part 5”
Blessed are the pure in heart | Part 6
Those people with heart conditions need to make regular trips to the cardiologist. An ECG will be taken and compared with the last one to see whether they are significant changes. If there are then you will have to be booked in for an angiogram for further investigation and if another artery is blocked, thenContinue reading “Blessed are the pure in heart | Part 6”
Blessed are the peacemakers | Part 7
The twentieth century was hailed by many as the beginning of a millennium of peace and prosperity, but this proved to be empty idealism. In WWI, believed to be the war to end all wars, 30 million people died. In a few decades the world was caught up in a second global conflict that claimedContinue reading “Blessed are the peacemakers | Part 7”
Blessed are those who are persecuted | Part 8
These beatitudes end on a surprising note. Blessed are those who are persecuted. Why do you think Jesus ends with this beatitude? The extent to which we live the first seven beatitudes is the extent to which we will experience the last. The range of suffering that we ought to expect as Christians is madeContinue reading “Blessed are those who are persecuted | Part 8”
Faith | Part 1
Text: 2 Peter 1:5-8 Whenever I read this passage of scripture I am reminded of a time when I was going through 2 Peter 1 in a bible study. I challenged the group to memorise the chapter. As an added incentive I promised to bake a cake for the first person to do so. EventuallyContinue reading “Faith | Part 1”
Goodness | Part 2
In our last study we saw that in this passage Peter is describing the portrait of an effective and productive Christian (vrs 8). The virtues that will produce a well-rounded, fruitful Christian life are outlines in vrs 5-7. Peter is encouraging us to intentionally add to our faith a whole range of qualities. “ADD TOContinue reading “Goodness | Part 2”
Knowledge | Part 3
In our last two studies we have been examining the portrait that Peter paints for us of an effective and productive Christian. Eight characteristics are highlighted. We have already examined faith and goodness (moral excellence). Today we turn to knowledge (gnosis). In vrs 3 Peter makes an astonishing statement. His divine power has given usContinue reading “Knowledge | Part 3”
Self-control | Part 4
No Christian wants to live a fruitless life. We long to hear the words of our heavenly Father saying, “well done good and faithful servant.” Last time we saw from vrs 3 that we have every divine resource at our disposal to live a godly life.” In vrs 5-8 the secret to living effective, productiveContinue reading “Self-control | Part 4”
Perseverance | Part 5
This morning we come to yet another character trait which we need to add to our faith to ensure that we remain fruitful Christians – perseverance. I have long admired William Carey, the Baptist missionary to India towards the end of the 18th and the in the early years of the 19th century. He wasContinue reading “Perseverance | Part 5”
Godliness | Part 6
In this short series we have yet to consider a revolutionary phrase. In vrs 3, he has said that in Christ we have all the resources that we could possibly need to live a godly life. Then in vrs 4 he says, through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, soContinue reading “Godliness | Part 6”
Brotherly kindness | Part 7
We have been examining a series of character qualities which we need to lavishly add to our Christian faith. Faithfulness in this endeavour will ensure that we are effective and productive Christians. Of course, it all too possible to fail to diligently add these qualities. In vrs 9 Peter spells out the implications for suchContinue reading “Brotherly kindness | Part 7”
Love | Part 8
Today we come to the end of this devotional series. We have seen that there are two paths available to us as believers. We can either generously add to our faith all the character traits outlined in vrs 5-7 and live a fruitful Christian life (vrs 8). Or, as vrs 9 says if anyone doesContinue reading “Love | Part 8”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 1
Text: Revelation 1-3 In recent years South Africa has followed in the footsteps of America by having a SONA (state of the nation) address where the president will outline the success stories of past year and challenges for the current year. In Revelation 2&3 we are privileged to eavesdrop on the Lord Jesus Christ asContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 1”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 2
Text: Revelation 2:1-7 In recent years it has become customary in South Africa to have a State of the Nation address. Indeed, this has been extended to more localised State of the Province addresses. Often-times this is nothing more than a talk shop. However, when the risen Lord Jesus Christ issues a state of theContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 2”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 3
Text: Revelation 2:8-11 Each of these seven letters is addressed to the angel of. The Greek word can refer either to a literal angel or a messenger. In this context it surely means “messenger.” Angels are never leaders in the church. The letters are most likely addressed to key elders in these seven churches. SmyrnaContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 3”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 4
Text: Revelation 2:12-17 We have examined the loveless church (Ephesus) and the suffering church (Smyrna). Now we must consider what the risen Christ has to say to the compromising church. Pergamum was situated about 160Km north of Ephesus and about 25Km inland from the Mediterranean Sea. Ephesus and Smyrna may have been the commercial capitalsContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 4”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 5
Text: Revelation 2:18-29 We turn this morning to consider Thyatira, the overly tolerant church. It was situated about 60Km South East of Pergamum. TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRAIt was originally built as a military outpost. Its sole purpose was to delay the advance of an army approaching Pergamum long enough so that Pergamum could organizeContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 5”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 6
Text: Revelation 3:1-6 This morning we are introduced to the church at Sardis. In vrs 1 Christ tells this church, you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Jesus comes to the sleeping corpse of Sardis and takes their pulse and finds it to be very faint indeed. Imagine if sick churchesContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 6”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 7
Text: Revelation 3:7-13 Out of the seven churches Jesus addresses there are only two that he only has good things to say about. The first of these was the suffering church, Smyrna and the second was Philadelphia – the faithful church. The city was founded in 190 BC by a man called Atallus who wasContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 7”
State of the Church Addresses | Part 8
Text: Revelation 3:14-22 Laodicea was about 160Km east of Ephesus. It was a leading banking and textile centre. It was a centre for the wool industry and was particularly famous for a soft, glossy, black wool. Laodicea also had a medical school and was particularly well known for a certain eye ointment known as PhrygianContinue reading “State of the Church Addresses | Part 8”
The Lord’s Prayer | 1
Text: Matthew 6:5-15 It has been said that “to be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Although this is true, just because something is necessary for life doesn’t mean that it comes naturally to us. In Luke 11:1 we read, one day Jesus was praying in aContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 1”
The Lord’s Prayer | 2
Last time we saw that “to be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. ” And yet as John Onwuchekwa says in his helpful book on prayer, “we don’t treat prayer like breathing. We treat it like prescription medication meant to rid us of an infection. Once theContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 2”
The Lord’s Prayer | 3
Jesus introduces his model prayer by highlighting two dangers that we need to avoid in our prayer lives. In vrs 5-7 he warns about ostentatiousness. Instead of our “flowery” prayers drawing attention to us we should go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, whoContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 3”
The Lord’s Prayer | 4
As we reflect on the opening three requests in our Lord’s model prayer we are reminded about how easy it is to pray about our honour, our kingdom and our purposes. How do we respond when we are disrespected, dishonoured, and disregarded? We get angry! “God, help them to treat me with the respect andContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 4”
The Lord’s Prayer | 5
Christian prayer begins with a passion for God’s honour, kingdom and will but it doesn’t end there. Just because we should not prioritise food and clothing doesn’t mean we don’t need them. If the first three requests are vertical in orientation the last three are horizontal. Jesus invites us to pray for three things inContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 5”
The Lord’s Prayer | 6
We have seen how true Christian prayer is firstly orientated in a vertical direction by displaying concern for God’s name, kingdom and will. Last time we started to examine the horizontal aspect of our praying. We should pray for provision, pardon and protection. Today we turn to consider how our prayer should include a dailyContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 6”
The Lord’s Prayer | 7
For the last few days, we have been examining the horizontal dimensions of the Lord’s prayer and seen how we need to pray for provision and pardon. Today we turn our focus to the last request for protection. Like pardon from past sin, protection from future sin is found in Jesus. “AND LEAD US NOTContinue reading “The Lord’s Prayer | 7”
The I Am Saying of Jesus | 1
Text: John 6:25-59 Over the next few days, we will examine seven saying of Jesus. Taken together they have commonly been referred to as the “I am” saying of Jesus. At one point in Jesus’ ministry at Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27-29) Jesus asked his disciples – “who do you say I am.” They gave theirContinue reading “The I Am Saying of Jesus | 1”
The I Am Saying of Jesus | 2
Text: John 8:12; (John 9) We saw last time that the background to the “I Am” saying of Jesus is Exodus 3. When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, God’s revealed name “I am that I am” was translated by two Greek words ego eimi (I am I am). Outside of the seven “IContinue reading “The I Am Saying of Jesus | 2”
The I Am Saying of Jesus | 3
Text: John 10:1-11 We have seen that the background to the “I Am” sayings of Jesus comes from Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush in Exodus 3. When Moses asked God for His name he was told in vrs 14, “I AM WHO I AM. When the OT was translated into Greek thisContinue reading “The I Am Saying of Jesus | 3”