What is the best way to reach our fallen world? Some advocate a clear understandable presentation of the Gospel, Others say people need to see miracles, signs and wonders. Paul did not go with either but preached Christ crucified. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling-block to … Continue reading Best way to reach the world for Jesus?
Jesus talks of how we choose to receive His word. An emphasis on visible results has pushed us towards – The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. Results are easy! We can count green shoots of decisions … Continue reading Choose Jesus’ way
Why do the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Psalm 115:2 This is a question that is being asked of the Church. The question raises key issues. Firstly: What is it about the way we reflect Jesus that keeps this culture from seeing Him in us? Secondly: What is it about the world that it … Continue reading Where is your God?
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
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
Living in our hurting world our tendency is either, throw ourselves at the problem, driven by the need, or to harden ourselves to the need and wait for God to resolve it Himself. Both these approaches stem from futile thinking and expose our darkened understanding. This darkness comes from a hardened heart that will not … Continue reading Driven or Complacent
Many imagine that our Lord has no interest in our lives outside of a personal relationship with Him, as if we lived in a spiritual bubble. Hosea 9 challenges the upbeat perspective of God’s people. In today’s terms, there is something wrong and Hosea calls on people to confront their own prostitution. Today, our prostitution … Continue reading Prostitution rejected
How serious do our friends think we are about God? When they see our pursuit of God, are they encouraged to join the pursuit, or do they roll their eyes and dismiss our foolishness? Song of Songs 5 tells of how the beloved, symbolically a believer or the Church, is in bed when her lover, … Continue reading Complacency
How do I express hope when I have confidence in my good Father, yet what I see is anything but hopeful? I find myself here in situations ranging from the state of the church in the UK to the path of ministry that the Lord has me on. I have no clue as to the … Continue reading Sight or Faith?
My defensiveness towards others inadvertently rubs off on my relationship with God. If He asks something of me that I believe is unacceptable to others I will not fully receive it in case I feel embarrassed. “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come … Continue reading Head held high
adaringfaith 