s you get a bit older, you start seeing the sense in not messing about with matches. It’s not that you can’t, it’s more like you shouldn’t. I find myself thumbing through the Bible for some down-to-earth advice and it turns out, there are some pretty clear pointers for living well. They aren’t exactly rules, but they’re for… Read More »
Listening to Dave preach on Philippians 2 recently, where he mentioned not doing things in our own strength, I realised that even after walking with the Lord for 45 years, I still sometimes fall into that ‘trap’. It’s never intentional, but it happens. There are certainly tasks that fall under the category of “whatever your hand finds to… Read More »
If you are going to build any type of building or structure, foundations are crucial, especially if you want to build something significant that will stand the test of time. Considering the character flaws and leadership failures we have seen across nations in recent years, I have been reflecting on the discipleship foundations we establish and maintain in… Read More »
God is a missionary God. That truth flows through Scripture like a steady, unrelenting river (see Isaiah 49:6; Psalm 96:3; Revelation 7:9, 14:6). Yet, in today’s pluralistic world, where different beliefs are considered equally valid, this very idea can make people just a little uncomfortable. Mission? Evangelism? These words trigger suspicion in a culture where the mantra is… Read More »
When Jesus Comes to Your House: Lavish Grace in Unexpected Places The story of Zacchaeus is a compelling one. It’s bigger than being at a Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, or Human League concert and being called out in person in an immense crowd. Zacchaeus, as we find him, had a problem—he was desperate to see Jesus, but the… Read More »
What do you do when God hides His face? Psalm 88 presents a similar challenge and, to be blunt, is one of the most jarring and raw passages in all of Scripture. Our place is not to avoid it, though. There is no uplifting ending, no bright turn towards hope—just a desperate cry from someone drowning in darkness.… Read More »
Leviticus is not the easiest book to read or understand. If the Bible were a marathon, Leviticus would be the mile where many well-intentioned runners drop out. We start off strong in Genesis, captivated by the creation narrative and the dramatic lives of the patriarchs. Exodus keeps the momentum going with its epic tales of plagues, parted seas,… Read More »
As a teenager, I enjoyed a weekend treat of sailing on the Möhnesee—complete with the ever-increasing threat of getting knocked into the water as the boom swung over during a jibe. I don’t know how you feel about sailing, but there are moments when life feels like a boat caught in a sudden storm—one minute, you’re floating peacefully,… Read More »
It is very easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, to focus only on what happens next in life. We often do this in church, even when we hear powerful proclamations through the gospel with messages such as, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God,” “There is now no condemnation for those who are in… Read More »
Are you in a difficult place at the moment and could really do with a breakthrough from God? The Bible doesn’t promise us a life free from conflict or difficulty, but it does promise that God will be with us! Sometimes God sends us into places full of opportunity, challenge, and even resistance. However, God, having sent us,… Read More »
We sometimes read the Bible as if we were cramming for an exam, only to discover, when we glance at the test paper, that we’ve missed key information—something I am all too familiar with! As we read the Bible, we need to bear in mind what has already happened and what is yet to come, while focusing on… Read More »
Most people are intrigued, inspired, and encouraged by the life and story of Elijah. He has a stunning start to his ministry, appearing from nowhere with the bold announcement, “No rain until I say so!” (1 Kings 17:1), before disappearing for a short while. You will know the story well, but my attention is drawn to an unknown… Read More »
I think Andrew is one of the ‘main-player’ apostles who often gets overlooked in our preaching. When was the last time you heard someone reference his involvement in the ministry of Jesus? It’s an interesting feature that, as the story unfolds, we find the man who would draw someone who would become one of the greatest apostles to… Read More »
The story of Samson is one of the most intriguing narratives in Scripture. There is so much to consider with him – so the question, following previous posts is, “So what about Samson?” He is introduced as a man set apart by God from before birth, gifted with extraordinary strength, yet marred by profound weaknesses. His life reflects… Read More »
REVIVAL. Look at that word again – it stirs something deep within the heart. Revival has been prayed for countless times—perhaps even billions. It is a prayer awaiting fulfilment. But when it comes, what will it look like? Many young leaders in the Church today have never experienced a powerful encounter with God’s manifest presence like those… Read More »
What’s your favourite dream? I often dream that I can fly, and my favourite dream involves being able to climb to the top of a tall building, then simply walk off and pull up just before touching the ground. Sometimes, I have to check that I’m actually dreaming before leaping! We all dream normally, but occasionally, God reveals… Read More »
One of the first things you become aware of as a new follower of Jesus is the need to deal with sin. It’s not just that you need to understand and cherish that, upon repenting of your sin, a lifetime of sin is thoroughly dealt with by faith in the death of Christ in your place; the recurring… Read More »
If you do not ‘speed-read’ through Scripture, you will often encounter moments of humour or innuendo that catch your attention or leave you pondering. One such example is found in Genesis 45, where Joseph sends his brothers back to Canaan after revealing his identity. This passage is intensely rich with emotion, spiritual insight, and profound lessons in grace.… Read More »
Recently, on Substack, I posed the question, “What about Agabus?” Continuing in this vein, I think it fitting to also ask, “What about John the Baptist?” Jesus calls him the greatest prophet, yet we see him sending his own disciples to ask if Jesus was the One to come—or if they should seek another. As you read this,… Read More »
There are a few ambiguities as we examine the role of prophets and prophecy in both the Old and New Testaments. One such case is Agabus, the New Testament prophet mentioned in the Book of Acts, who presents an intriguing case study on the nature of prophetic ministry in the early church and its implications for today. He… Read More »