Jesus began his ministry following his encounter with John the Baptist. The four Gospels are unanimous about that, and it’s an easy story to understand. But the next story, whilst familiar, is much harder to comprehend. We are presented with a picture of God incarnate in a head-to-head debate with the Devil. What’s happening here?
Jesus stilled the storm. It’s a well-known story that's usually told to show how powerful Jesus was. But the story starts from a quite different perspective. As he boards the boat, there’s a little phrase in the story that we can easily miss. It says that the disciples took Jesus “as he was”.
I don't recall ever hearing a sermon based on Philemon, and I probably wouldn’t have started this study but for a question from a friend.
Most of us mess up occasionally, and it’s natural to feel embarrassed about it. We may chide ourselves for our mistakes, but it’s not those fleeting moments of self criticism that worry me. My concern is for people who continually put themselves down – and especially those who think that’s what God expects of them. It does no honour to the Gospel to declare ourselves “miserable sinners” after we have received salvation – and it’s bad for our mental and spiritual health.
As we grow older, consider this – it’s OK to leave footprints that people may choose to follow, but it's not OK to leave holes that people will feel obliged to fill. That’s the difference between management and leadership. It’s the difference between commanding and inspiring. It’s the difference between taking and giving.
The Prodigal Son's father as viewed by the Son. What does it FEEL like to be forgiven when you know you've really messed up?
The spiritual life is characterised as a walk - why is that? And what does it entail?
What language does God speak? If it’s ancient Hebrew, I’m stumped and can’t pray! God isn't bound by language and doesn't judge our grammar and vocabulary.
Setbacks, tragedies, and worries were raining down, and I was devastated. So, what did I do? I turned to Job. The courage of Job’s faith inspires me afresh each time I return to his story.
Ahab is seen as one of Israel’s worst kings. He was a liar, a cheat, and a bully, but the incident vineyard of Naboth's is the only recorded example of corruption that could get him impeached today. It is an object lesson in how temptation works.
Derrick John Phillips 