Reading, Reflection and Prayer

We look at instructions that Jesus gives to his disciples as he sends them out. Ruth reflects on the wholehearted commitment to the Kingdom which is expected from them, and how that might work in our lives.

More accounts of Jesus' healing ministry. We reflect on the connection of the faith of those being healed and the efficacy of the healing.

We reflect on the way in which the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees often lies in the difference between an emphasis on external conformity with heart transformation. Jesus came for 'sinners' and not for the 'righteous'. There's liberation in identifying as a sinner in need of Jesus' work of transformation.

Even the wind and the waves obey him - 'who is this man?' We think about the contrast between the disciples' puzzlement and the immediate recognition of the two demon possessed men, who say - 'What do you want with us, Son of God?'

Several Healing Miracles of Jesus. Richard and Ruth talk about the faith involved in healing, and how we might more readily pray with faith and see more of these signs of the Kingdom in our church.

We read the last section of the Sermon on the Mount. Ruth points out the connection of the teaching on asking God with the seeking of the Kingdom in the previous chapter. When we ask for the things of the Kingdom, we can be confident in our heavenly Father's provision.

The middle section of the Sermon on the Mount. Hearing it all together helps us to understand the connection between the Spiritual Disciplines of Giving, Prayer and Fasting with the injunction towards the end of the chapter not to worry.

Ruth and Richard begin reading the Sermon on the Mount. We reflect on how this demands a character transformation to live out through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Richard and Ruth talk through what makes for a good quiet time; and of the power that the wilderness contributes to Jesus' ministry.

The baptism of John, and preparing the way for Jesus. Richard and Ruth talk about the difference between Christian Baptism and the Baptism of John.