As Paul finishes off his section on how the gospel works itself out in households, he gives instructions to servants and masters. He encourages them to behave in such away that recognises that they are servants of God first of all. John explains. The book on people pleasing mentioned in… Continue reading

This week we looked at psalm 7, where David sings to the LORD in response to verbal attack. Psalm 7 (ESV) A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. 7 O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge;    save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,2 lest like a… Continue reading

The psalms can help us to express the struggles we have, and teach us how to bring our struggles to God. In psalm 73 the psalmist sees people ignoring God and prospering. This raises doubts and questions for us and the psalmist. Peter Boyd from Shore Presbyterian Church (GPCNZ church… Continue reading

Sometimes we can be reluctant to both give and receive pastoral care. When Paul spoke to the Ephesian Elders at Miletus, he to keep a careful watch on themselves and all the flock, since God has appointed elders to care for the church. Acts 20:28-32 (ESV) 28 Pay careful attention to… Continue reading

If we have a passion our own glory at the expense of God’s glory and love for our neighbours, this is called selfish ambition. Today John spoke from Mark 9, where the disciples tried to hinder a man from casting out a demon. Mark 9:38-41 (ESV) 38 John said to him,… Continue reading

As Christians we often talk about the need for faith, but what is it really? What does it look like. This week Sam Duthie from GPC Gore spoke from the life of Gideon. Judges 6:33-7:25 (ESV) 33 Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together,… Continue reading

We often seek after greatness in our connection to great people. Jesus teaches his disciples that true greatness comes another way. Mark 9:30-37 (ESV) 30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son… Continue reading

In misery we can think that no-one can help. In ministry we can neglect prayer because we don’t think we need Jesus. This morning we looked at the record of Jesus healing a boy with an unclean spirit causing symptoms similar to epilepsy. Mark 9:14-29 (ESV) 14 And when they came… Continue reading

God the father speaks audibly only 3 times in the gospels, and only ever gives one command. Today we looked at what God commanded, and why it matters. Mark 9:1-13 (ESV) 9 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they… Continue reading

Following on from his clear statement that he would suffer, die and rise again, Jesus gives teaching on discipleship. To be a follower of Jesus, self denial is essential, but we often misunderstand what this actually means. John explains. Mark 8:34-38 (ESV) 34 And calling the crowd to him with his… Continue reading