Live this Sunday morning at Midsummer Common

In this week’s study of Isaiah Chapters 3 to 4, we find God speaking to the men and women of Zion, confronting each gender with their respective struggles and sins, in terms that each could understand. It was picture language of course, as much of what God said to the men applied to the women as well, and vice versa. But as we learned in the previous chapters of Isaiah, identifying the idols of our hearts - the things which draw us away from loving God - is a tricky thing. It can be a very painful thing.

Burnt my pizza. Had ice-cream. Food coma descending on me. Decided to read Numbers 14. Almost forgot to vote.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/1nzRRSqQDBQ

THE NEED OF SCRIPTURE, AS A GUIDE AND TEACHER, IN COMING TO GOD AS A CREATOR.

Preached at the Chinese Church in August 2012

Being the good news person doesn't mean people will appreciate or even believe you.

If anything Numbers 12 and 13 reminds us you might be rejected, envied and disbelieved precisely because of your humility and your integrity.

It was the case for Moses. It was the case for Caleb.

But isn't that an encouragement to speak out all the more and not to be silent?

So went back to church last Sunday. For what it's worth, this was what happened, what it felt like and why I think we should consider going back in where it's possible and safe to do so.

We're hearing a lot of Hebrews 10 being quoted - now especially as churches are opening up again and Christians being encouraged to come back physically to Sunday services. There is much that is good and right about this, especially from the text. But it is worth being cautious about pushing this agenda further than the author intends.

The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

A lot of complaining happens in this Chapter. One results in death (well, actually two deaths!). The other, in God's Spirit poured out on God's people.