As we look at this text we see how important it is to trust that Jesus is in control and that he loves us. Without that knowledge and without faith we will simply be tossed to and fro in all the circumstances of life.
The Shepherds are a well-known part of the Christmas story. But do we need them? What do they add to the story? What might we miss if they were not? Our sermon considers that as shepherds they point us to Jesus, the true and good shepherd. But they are also normal everyday people like all […]
How does someone become a Christian? How do they ‘get in’ to the family of God, into the kingdom of God? What is it that makes someone a genuine Christain we might ask? Acts 15:1-35 sees this question considered and decided upon. Some Jews believed that circumcision was required along with faith in Jesus. Others […]
There can also be those, who like Ahab, think that you can lay in bed with the devil. That you can compromise on God’s truth. These people don’t look through the lens of Scripture to be their guide, but rather they think with their own human ability they can negotiate with the forces of evil. […]
Some people look at Jesus’ words this way. “Believe without evidence.” Some people simply say, “You need to have faith.” Just believe it! I have heard a lot of people, even in this church say that! I think we need to be very careful of saying those words! I certainly don’t want to be calling […]
So, we need to know the importance of this genealogy but on the other hand also realise that our own genealogies are not so important. Sometimes we might be tempted to put far too much emphasis on our backgrounds as if they somehow grant us immunity from God’s judgement or an automatic pass into heaven. […]
People, even Christian people, love to find loopholes, love to make excuses, love to avoid a change in lifestyle by actually saying that the doctrine of being justified by grace means they can now live anyway they like, they are right with God anyway. In fact, the more we sin, the more they will experience […]
Being declared to be right with God carries with it the privileges of sonship, of real peace, of access, and of the hope of glory. These are the fruit, the outcomes of being declared right with God. Have you experienced that peace? That acceptance? Do you know that you are a child of God – […]