Today’s thought “Everyone who is of the truth listens” (April 22) Jesus had little to say to the High Priest who first questioned him; he simply told him, “I have spoken openly to the world, I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple” (John 18:20). Jesus is challenging them; if I have… Read More Today’s thought “Everyone who is of the truth listens” (April 22)
Today’s thought “The word that I have spoken will …” (April 19) Deuteronomy 2, Proverbs 29, John 12 Deuteronomy, which we are now reading is, to some extent, a kind of history lesson to the next generation – the children of those who had died in the wilderness. This is an example to us –… Read More Today’s thought “The word that I have spoken will …” (April 19)
Today’s thought “The truth will set you free” (April 16) What did Jesus mean, “The Truth will set you free?” Free from what? John 8 today contains aspects of the teachings of Jesus that we have to think around and put into context to get the correct meaning. The critics of Jesus were usually those… Read More Today’s thought “The truth will set you free” (April 16)
Today’s thought “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will” (April 15) The Gospel of John is particularly soul stirring as we read it. We learn much detailed information about parts of the ministry of our Lord, filling some of the ‘gaps’ in the other gospels. We learn that the centre of opposition to Jesus… Read More Today’s thought “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will” (April 15)
Today’s thought “Using God’s words to justify actions” (April 1-2) How often men use God’s words to justify their actions. (Numbers 16:3) in this godless world we also do find lots of people who say they are Christian, but do not follow the teachings of the Nazarene Jew Jeshua (Jesus Christ) and even have not… Read More Today’s thought “Using God’s words to justify actions” (April 1-2)
Today’s thought “Father forgive …” (March 31) What a heart moving set of readings we have today. In Numbers 14 we read of the tragic failure of faith of the people in the wilderness – how they reacted to the report of ten of the twelve spies which had investigated the promised land: the opposition… Read More Today’s thought “Father forgive …” (March 31)
Today, for almost everyone, bodily health is a number one priority. When it fails, the enjoyment of life, with its hopes and ambitions, is hindered and halted. Vast amounts of money are spent every year upon getting well and keeping well. More and more, solemn warnings are being issued about the danger of eating wrong… Read More He Healeth all thy Diseases
Today’s thought “One’s life does not consist in …” (March 20) Today’s Luke 12 contains some of the most challenging teaching of Jesus – it is as appropriate today as it was then! A crowd surrounded him and “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me’”… Read More Today’s thought “One’s life does not consist in …” (March 20)
They are Jesus’ stories • Multiple readings possible – but not all equally valid! • Told by him • Not primarily realist: about him, the impact and consequences of his coming – • About the progress of unfolding divine purpose: ‘the Kingdom of God is like… His stories are serious – ‘speech acts’ By telling… Read More Jesus the Storyteller 5 Conclusions
The Lukan context Contrasted pairs – earlier • Zechariah and Mary (ch. 1) • Rich and poor (ch. 6) • Pharisee and Levi (ch. 5) • Pharisee and woman (ch. 7) Contrasted pairs – Later Two sons (ch. 15) • Rich man and Lazarus (ch. 16) • Pharisee and tax collector (ch. 18) Reversals: bring… Read More Jesus the Storyteller 4 The Lukan & Pauline context
Reflections of/ on Jesus’ ministry Are all readings equally valid? Relation to course of Jesus ministry The ‘mystery’ of God’s kingdom – cf. The kingdom of heaven is like … (Matt. 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47) Tares: a reflection of opposition The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in… Read More Jesus the Storyteller 3 Reflections of/ on Jesus’ ministry
Realist or metaphoric/ symbolic? How much detail? Narrative dimension? Clear or obscure? Timeless or specific to context – single or multiple readings? Are al readings equally valid Metaphor or realist? – the rebellious tenants Traditional Vineyard: Israel Father/ owner: God Servants: OT prophets Son: Jesus Result: AD 70 Gentiles replace Israel A recent reading A… Read More Jesus the Storyteller 2 Interpreting Jesus’ stories
A narrative turn of mind – Luke 11 Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? (v. 11-12) Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall… Read More Jesus the Storyteller 1. Stories and their interpretation – two examples – Luke 11 & parables
Although there is no express command that we should observe the feast of Breaking of Bread every week, all the information in the Scriptures at least suggests such periodical observance thereof. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, says “I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus… Read More Weekly Breaking of Bread
Today’s thought “That we may see and believe” (February 19) What causes belief – real conviction of belief? Well, it depends what you want to believe; what you see you need to believe! If someone cries ‘Fire’ – you lose no time in acting to verify if the cry is genuine – and seeing what… Read More Today’s thought “That we may see and believe” (February 19)
Today at our service we had a live meeting on Zoom but this time without a live exhortation. For all, we include the video of this morning sermon here on this platform as well, so that we can reach also people who were not at our service this morning. We do hope you enjoy it… Read More Today’s exhortation on Mark 10 With God all things are possible
Today’s thought “The prayers of David” (February 9) The Psalms are divided into five books, and today we complete the second; today’s Psalm 72 ends with the words, “the prayers of David, the son of Jesse are ended”. There are more Psalms attributed to David later on. The Psalms (the Hymn Book of Israel) are… Read More Today’s thought “The prayers of David” (February 9)
When we have found Jesus Christ and want to follow him, we need to be humble enough to become a working or serving partaker of the Body of Christ. Having become a Christian, it is a follower of Christ Jesus, we are to connect with the Spirit of God to build in the spirit. Building… Read More Building a Spiritual House
Today’s thought “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (February 2) Romans 12 is one of the most significant in God’s word. How significant for us is the advice given in verse 12. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” The world around us offers nothing in which we can genuinely rejoice.… Read More Today’s thought “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (February 2)
The Spirit of God calls our body His temple and as children of God we should unite and assemble in that spiritual temple by the formation of an ecclesia or church.… Read More Ecclesia – Church – Minding your reference
