The arguments I hold in my mind expose secondary issues that have supplanted my Father as the one to be worshipped. In Psalm 76 the Father restores perspective. 2 … his dwelling-place [is] in Zion. 3 There he broke the … weapons of war. Going to Zion, God’s dwelling, we find different priorities, there He … Continue reading Controversies and faith
‘Simply Jesus’ is a great phrase to help us keep perspective when things become complicated. We need care, there are those for whom the words are a mere bumper sticker. They have heard some Christian leader say the phrase and are convinced this is the totality of the Christian life. Safe in this knowledge, they live … Continue reading Simply Jesus
In a crisis I am tempted to force a solution. The Lord shows a different way – Isaiah 56 1‘Maintain justice and do what is right, I can’t achieve righteousness through abuse, only love. for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. The proximity of danger exposes hearts, asking … Continue reading Awaiting God’s intervention
We live in a culture that is so bombarded by messages that none are listened to. How then can the gospel break out? Isaiah’s prophecy on Jesus in Isaiah 52&53 gives clues. Isaiah 53 shows the frustration. Isaiah 53 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? The Lord himself … Continue reading Show not tell
One of Jesus’ statements is brought into new light through His apostolic ministry. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother … yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25) … Continue reading From consumer to disciple
Recently it has dawned on me that there are two approaches to discipleship in the Scriptures. In the Navigators we use the apostolic form of Jesus. This approach focuses on someone willing to follow as an apprentice. In Jesus’ ministry this required leaving behind home comforts and responsibilities to follow. ‘Leaving’ creates space in life … Continue reading Two forms of discipleship
Who is a disciple of Jesus? Jesus gave two key passages. The first – 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 Often discipleship … Continue reading Who is a disciple of Jesus?
What a privilege to participate in Jesus’ ministry. Paul and Barnabas were directed into ministry through Isaiah 49:6: “… I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This verse is not stand alone. How does Isaiah leads into this promise? First the … Continue reading Reward with God
I have often been ‘Mr Nice Guy’, yet niceness is not godliness. I read up on the difference between nice and kind and was shocked by how different these two words are, when most would consider them synonymous. My reading suggested that ‘Nice’ has its origin in conflict avoidance and is worked out through fear … Continue reading Nice or Kind?
In our manufacturing age we have ordered life around what is productive and assume Jesus holds the same view. We may acknowledge that Jesus is passionate about us but we easily revert to a utilitarian view considering ourselves workers, valued for what we do. In Song of Songs 4 the lover (Christ) passionately describes to … Continue reading Jesus’ delight in us.
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