Today we looked at the famous confession of Peter to Jesus – “You are the Christ”, and also Jesus’ rebuke of Peter. Man-centred thinking moves towards the satanic. How? John opened up Mark 8 for us to explain. Mark 8:27-33 (ESV) 27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the… Continue reading

As we come to the turning point in the middle of Mark’s gospel, Jesus heals a blind man in two stages. Why? The answer to this is a lesson for the disciples and for us. John explains. Mark 8:22-26 (ESV) 22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him… Continue reading

Jews sought for a sign – something powerful miraculous. Greeks sought after wisdom. What is it you are seeking? Roger opens up 1 Corinthians exploring how Christ is both power and wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (ESV) 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to… Continue reading

We can look to many things to try to bring rest, security and comfort to our souls. For the Christian, we look to God alone for these things. Do you know what it is like to have God as a refuge? John opens up psalm 62 to explore this. Psalm… Continue reading

Humility a key feature of Christian life, but often misunderstood. This week we looked at Christ’s example of humility from Philippians 2. Philippians 2:5-10 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a… Continue reading

This week we continue in the book of Judges and will see if Gideon finishes well and what will his legacy be. As we look through this passage we are also reminded of our own hearts and the need for action. Have we truly come to Christ? Have we forgotten… Continue reading

This week we looked at what drove Paul’s remarkable indecision about whether he would rather live or die. John Young explains. Philippians 1:21-26 (ESV) 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which… Continue reading

Sometimes in our pride we are tempted to replace God’s mission with personal ambition. We continue studying the complex character of Gideon, realising that we need a deliverer like Gideon, but better. Judges 8:1-21 (ESV) 8 Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done… Continue reading

Some enemies are too strong for us. But they are not too strong for God. John continues following Gideon’s story in the book of Judges. Judges 7:15-25 15 As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel… Continue reading

Sometimes our fears can get out of proportion, disorienting us and ruling us. We must develop a worshipping awe of God that frees us for obedience. We continue to look at Gideon’s story for help with this. Judges 6:33-7:15  (ESV) 33 Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of… Continue reading