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Message for March16 2025
Droppping Stones: from condemnation to confession to compassion
In Matthew 7 we find a powerful teaching from Jesus on the danger of judging others without self examination. Jesus calls us to deal with our own shortcomings and failures before we proceed to take on the shortcomings and failures of others. This is wise advice which we find difficult as it involves first humbling ourselves.
Message for March 9 2025
A Singular Vision
Jesus calls those who would follow him to have a singular vision which stores up treasures in heaven, trusting in the care of God for them. In a society that places much emphasis on accumulation and possessing, this is a counter-cultural call to care for others rather than continue in competition with them.
Message for March 2 2025
The Private Practice of Following Jesus
In Matthew 6 we have a powerful teaching of Jesus which calls his followers to practice their faith so as not to be seen by others. The heart of Jesus' teaching in this section of scripture is the motivation of our heart. Private practice of piety does not lead to inaction but orients the motivation of our actions.
Message for February 23 2025
Being Perfect in Purpose
In the closing section of Matthew 5 we find the high calling of being perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. This is a call to love - to love all. This is the way of Judaism and Christianity; it is the way of redemption.
Message for February 16 2025
The Exceeding Righteousness
In Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus' provides teaching on the importance of the Law and it being lived out through our lives - an exceeding righteousness. While the Law has been fulfilled through Christ, that does not mean it no longer needs to be kept; in fact, the level of keeping the Law goes even deeper.
Message for February 9 2025
Living a Life that Points to God
In Matthew 5:11-16 we find Jesus call for his disciples to live as salt and light in this world, with the recognition that this will bring persecution to themselves and glory to God. It seems living as salt and light is not an option but a calling, and a result of living out the beattitudes mentioned earlier in the chapter.
Message for February 2 2025
The Blessed Life of Following the Way
In Matthew 5 we have the opening of a section of Jesus' teaching which has been called the sermon on the mount. It opens with a description of one who is deemed blessed; the desciption is quite different from what we would naturally think of as a blessed life. What Jesus describes is the life of one who follows the ways of the Kingdom of God.
Message for January 19 2025
The Rise and Fall of all, Then Resurrection
In Daniel 11 and 12 we have the conclusion of the book which contains the warring between kings of different nations and a forshadowing of the coming antichrist. The book ends with the hope of resurrection to life for those who have maintained covenant with God. We continue to live in a time of wars and disruption; may our hearts be set on the eternal Kingdom of God.
Message for January 12 2025
The Power of Prayer Prayed in Weakness
In Daniel 10 we find the beginnig of the last section of the book, in which Daniel receives a vision through a messenger of God who is sent to Daniel in response to Daniel's concerted effort in prayer. This chapter reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but againts the powers and principalities in heavenly places.
Message for January 5 2025
Daniel's Prayer for God's People
In Daniel 9 we have Daniel's prayer for God's people; it is a prayer that recognizes the righteousness of God and the rebellion of God's people. Daniel's prayer is a prayer of confession and a call for mercy from God. May we be lead into an understanding of the compassionate character of God, while also realizing our need for confession and repentance.
Message for December 22 2024
The Way of Humility
We find in the Gospels that Jesus was a man of humility, through not only his birth but also his life. One of the calls of the Gospel is for us to take on the humility of Christ as we conitnue his ministry in the here and now. May our Lord lead us in this way to his praise.
Message for December 15 2024
The Hospitable Kingdom
In Luke 24 we find the fascinating account of the walk to Emmaus, involving two disciples and a stranger. A conversation ensues around Jesus of Nazareth, whom these two disciples had hoped was the Messiah. At the end of the conversation, and the road, these two disciples welcome the stranger in. They break bread together, and it is in the breaking of bread that they recognize the stranger to be Jesus; it is as they practice the hospitality of the Kingdom of God that they find themselves in the presence of Jesus.
Message for December 8 2024
Living in the Love of His Presence
Our God is a God who takes up residence among us. The character of our God is Love. As we practice the presence of God we ought to learn love. This is the task of God's people: to learn to walk in love as we respond to the love of God among us; this is the way of the Kingdom of God.
Message for December 1 2024
Immanuel
In Isaiah is found a fascinating prophecy about a virgin with child who will bear a son who shall be called Immanuel - which means God with us. The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in Matthew 1 in the account of Joseph, Mary and the Christ child. As we enter this advent season, let us remember that God is a God who is with us; may we be a people who long for His presence.
Message for November 24 2024
The Everlasting Kingdom
In Daniel 7 we have recorded the first of Daniel's visions; it is a vision which represents the statue of Daniel 2, outlining the four kingdoms that will rise and fall. It is the Kingdom of the Ancient One, established and made possible through the Son of Man, that will be forever and outlast all other kingdoms of this world. The Kingdom of God shall be a kingdom of peace, unlike the chaotic kingdoms of this world.
Message for November 17 2024
Daniel and the Lions Den
In Daniel 6 we find a powerful story of faith in which Daniel refuses to give up his practice of praying to God regularly, even in the face of death. One may wonder where such faith comes from - how it is that one can pray even though it may cost their life. Grounded in Daniel's prayers to YHWH is an understanding of the everlasting Kingdom of God.
Message for November 10 2024
The Vessels of God
In Daniel 5 we have a change of Kings, with a new King over Babylon who does not honour God or know who Daniel is. King Belshazzar worhips idols and does so with the vessels of God taken from the house of God when Judah fell to Babylon. Today, God's people are his vessels, we are the living stones which make up God's dwelling place. Let us examine how we are using the vessels of God today as his church.
Message for November 3 2024
Prospering in the Kingdom of God
In Daniel 4 we have recorded the second dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, one in which his pride is made aware to him by God. The lesson we are to learn is simple yet at the same time difficult. The simplicity of it is the statment that all things come from the hand of God. The difficulty is in humbling ourselves in order to live our lives in response to all things coming from the hand of God.
Message for October 27 2024
The Fiery Furnace
In Daniel 3 the king of Babylon creates and erects a large golden statue, after which he commands all in his kingdom to bow down and worship to. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden statue and are given the ultimatum to worship the golden image or be put to death. These three Jews, who had been carried off to Babylon along with many other Jews, maintain their loyalty to YHWH, refusing the kings edict.
Message for October 13 2024
Praise for the Provisions of God
God provides Daniel with insight that no mortal is able to attain apart from divine revelation, and for this Daniel praises God. God is seen in Daniel 2 as a God who is present and active, as opposed to the the other gods of the day. The insight that Daniel is given is that the Kingdom of God will overtake all other kingdoms and fill the earth.
Message for October 6 2024
Faith in a Foreign Land
In the opening chapter of Daniel we find that while God allows Judah to fall to Babylon (as a result of Judah's disobedience), God also gives grace to those who remain faithul in a foreign land. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah do not forget who their God is and what Kingdom they belong to. In the dazzling darkness of the kingdoms of this world, might we not forget our God and the Kingdom we belong to.
Message for September 29 2024
The Cost of Lacking Righteousness
In the opening verses of the Book of Daniel, we are told that Judah has fallen to Babylon; this is a tragic event for which we are given no further details in this context. We are also told that it is the Lord who has allowed this to happen; Judah fell not because of the power of Babylon, but because of a lack of rightesouness among themselves.
Message for September 15 2024
Not Far from the Kingdom of God
Jesus was once asked about when the Kingdom of God would come; his response gave no indication of a time but rather a place. The place: within you - with the indication that the time was now. While many wait for the Kingdom of God to come, may we recognize the Kingdom of God already present and waiting to be lived in our lives.
Message for September 8 2024
The Light of Love
In both John's gospel and in his letters there is an emphasis on light and walking in the light. To walk in the light of God, simply, is to love; there is direct correlation made with the two great commandments: to love God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. This is the will of God among us.
Message for September 1 2024
Foreigners Faith
In Hebrews 11 we read of the faith of Abraham, a faith which lead him to a place he did not know, to father a nation beyond human possibility, and to see at a distance the greater promises of God. We must be willing to be lead to new places spiritually, to believe for the impossible, to live for what is yet to be. This is to have the faith of a foreigner.
Message for August 25 2024
Stewards of God's Grace
As we continue through 1 Peter 4 we find a continued call to persevere in suffering - in the laying down of our own lives with intention to pursue the heart of God. Peter reminds us that we are recepients of the grace of God, and are to live our lives as servants of God to God's glory and praise.
Message for August 18 2024
The Power of Suffering Love
In 1 Peter 3 we find a description of suffering love, and it resembles the suffering love of Christ which is to be found in his Church. Peter goes so far as to say that those who will receive blessing are those who live a life of suffering love. Peter calls us to love like Christ, which he refers powerfully to when he calls the believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts."
Message for August 11 2024
The Ones Jesus Loves
Within Scripture we find that Jesus loves those who often were deemed unworthy and were therefore not loved, but rather judged, by others. Jesus suffered for all, including those deemed unworthy and those who saw themselves as self-righteous. Our call as believers is to love - not judge or seek to convict. In this we continue to carry out the work of Christ among us.
Message for August 4 2024
Exiles Led to Love
In 1 Peter we find a letter to a church dispersed - believers found in different parts of modern day Turkey. They are exiled, however, in a spiritual sense more than a physical sense; this world is not their home. This is true for believers today as well. May our Lord help us to pursue the Kingdom of God which is to come, by living by the economy of God's Kingdom now - which is an economy of love.
Message for July 28 2024
The Fruit of the Spirit is Love
The fruit of the Spirit, as found in Galatians, begins with love. Paul notes that of the great virtues of belief, love is the greatest; he also notes that it is the Spirit which pours the love of God into our hearts. We are to bear fruit and are enabled to do so by the gifts of God. Furthermore, it is in bearing much fruit that we show ourselves to be Christ's disciples; it is by our love that we show that we know God.
Message for July 21 2024
The Greatest of these is Love
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives a powerful description of love: of what it entails and how it is lived; he concludes this section by noting that without love everything else loses its power and importance. Jesus noted that it is by our love that others will know that we know him; in Romans Paul teaches that love is the keeping of the law. Might God continue to teach us to love.
Message for July 14 2024
Living Hope
In 1 Peter the believers are encouraged with the idea that they have been born again into a living hope; we hope in the finished work of Christ on our behalf. This is not just a future hope of heaven, but also a hope of transformation here and now - a hope of bearing fruit to the glory of God. This is also the hope of God.
Message for July 7 2024
Abiding Faith
In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the love chapter, we find that faith, hope, and love are the three things that will remain or abide. Faith calls us to orient our lives around something or someone, and not just as an idea but as a pursuit - a way of life. The faith of scripture is a call or orient our lives around the reality of God revealed in Christ.
Message for June 30 2024
A Cry and a Call
Within scripture we find a repeated pattern of people crying out to God and God answering with deliverance, but deliverance which includes a call. This call entials loving God and loving others, as is captured in the Shema or also articulated through the biblical understanding of shalom (peace). Today may we cry out in the midst of life to the God who delivers, and may we also hear his call to live as ones delivered.
Message for June 23 2024
Prepare the Way of the Lord
John the Baptist, after spending time in the wilderness, receives a call from God to go and proclaim a messsage of baptism, repentance, and forgiveness. This message carried significance for the present, for repentance is something that happens in the present. In response to John's message, the people asked: what are we to do? Perhaps this is the place for us to start - by asking what it is that we are to do in response to God.
Message for June 16 2024
Our Father
Within the Gospel accounts we find Jesus' disciples asking their Rabbi to teach them to pray. The prayer Jesus gives them is one which seeks after the heart of God, God's kingdom, and God's strength. They are to pray as God's children and as God's people; the pray is communal and the petition is for compassion.
Message for June 9 2024
Wisdom from Above
I have preached through James not too long ago, but wanted to return to a hand full of verses that invite us to seek wisdom from above. Wisdom from above is pure, humble, and compassionate, seeking the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Wisdom from above seeks and shares the heart of God.
Message for June 2 2024
The Economy of the Kingdom
In Matthew 20 Jesus shares a story about the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to a vineyard that needed workers. Those who started work at 5pm get paid the same as those who started at 6am; the principle in this story is that the Kingdom of Heaven runs on an economy of compassionate grace over merit.
Message for May 26 2024
Healing, Humility and Hospitality
In Luke 14 Jesus is invited to a meal on the Sabbath day which turns out to be an opportunity for teaching around healing, humility and hospitality. When we scramble for position we forfeit compassion, and in so doing lose position in the Kingdom of God - where those who are last shall be first.
Message for May 19 2024
The Jesus Prayer
In Matthew's gospel we find what has come to be referred to as the Jesus prayer; in Matthew 20 it is prayed by two blind men sitting by the roadside, who prayed: "Lord, have mercy on us." Jesus responds with what they prayed for: mercy. Before responding, however, Jesus asked them "what do you want?" Let us asks ourselves this day what it is that we want, and if it involves the mercy of Christ.
Message for May 12 2024
The Power of Love
In the Song of Solomon we find a love story between a man and a woman; yet, in the last chapter there are a couple of verses that carry broader implications when it comes to understanding love - including the love of God and our response to it.
Message for May 5 2024
Jesus, the Good Samaritan
In Luke 10 we find the popular parable of the Good Samaritan. In response to a question about who one's neighbour is, Jesus shares this story in which he portrays the neighbourly ways of God. It is a story about love, both its receiving and giving; it is a call to love as God loves - and so live.
Message for April 21 2024
Ecclesiastes Intro
Ecclesiastes is one of the books of widsom literature in the Bible, and its' writer argues that life outside of God is vain - it doesn't make sense nor is it fulfilling. Outside of God life is without purpose and therefore lacks fulfillment; but when we recognize that our lives are a gift to be lived in love of God and God's creation, then we find purpose and meaning beyond oursevles.
Message for March 31 2024
Easter Sunday
Jesus was crucified and died on a Friday; he arose on the Sunday. What hadn't struck me before was the significance of the Saturday - the Sabbath. On the seventh day (shabbat) we find in Genesis that God rested because the work of creation was finished. On the cross Jesus said: "It is finished." On the Saturday, God rested from the work that he had done. In the waiting we can rest on the finished work of God.
Message for March 24 2024
King of the Jews
In Mark 15 the story of Jesus' arrest continues with another council meeting and the handing over of him to be crucified. The chief priests and crowds are set against Jesus while Pilate appears to be uncertain of Jesus' guilt. Jesus has prayed and been betrayed; he has been tried and has been denied - and now is handed over to be crucified. In appearances he is one who has been cursed by God; in reality he is in the very will of the Father.
Message for March 17 2024
Denying Jesus
Within the Gospels we find the disheartening record of Peter's denial of Jesus - a denial which comes on the heals of a poweful pronouncement of faith: "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." This was Peter's statement just hours before the fateful night of denial: a denial which came in response to a servant-girl's statement as she looked intently at Peter: "You were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth."
Message for March 10 2024
Trying Jesus
Jesus had prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that this hour might pass, but the betrayer came and with a kiss handed Jesus over to be arrested. Jesus finds himself before the council made of priests, elders, and scribes; he is there to be tried that just cause may be found to put him to death. Jesus ends up providing cause by proclaiming to be the Christ; the question lingers: what if He is? When asked, Jesus said "I am."
Message for March 3 2024
A Kiss from a Friend
Within the Gospels we have the account of Judas' betrayal of Jesus which contains the powerful image of the kiss given by the betrayer. A kiss was a kind greeting indicating respect and honour as well as a sign of trust and peace. Judas' action - the kiss - was contradictory to his attitude. Do our actions match our attitude in relation to our worship of God?
Message for February 25 2024
A Place Called Gethsemane
In Mark''s gospel we find the account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane prior to being betrayed - he takes with him Peter, James, and John. Gethsemane is a special place where Jesus often went with his disciples; in this account, it is the place where he lays down his will before laying down his life. Gethsemane is a place of prayer; it is a place of reckoning with God the Father - Abba.
Message for February 18 2024
Not Far From The Kingdom
In Mark 12, Jesus is in conversation with a scribe about the esseence of the Torah, which is summarized by the Shema - to "love the Lord your God" and to "love your neigbhour." Jesus and the scribe both agree that this is the essence of the Law; upon seeing this, Jesus said to the scribe: "you are not far from the kingdom of God." Is this true of our lives? Is this true of our church?
Message for February 4 2024
Psalm 62
In Psalm 62 we find a wonderful invitation to rest in the character of God; this rest is so complete that there is not even the need for words but rather one can wait in silence. In the midst of the strains of life, pour out your heart to God, trusting in his power and love.
Message for January 28 2024
Keep Yourselves
In 1 John 5:12 we find an encouraging challenge concluding this letter. It begins with a tender reference to the children of God, followed by a call to action - that of keeping themselves from idols. While our salvation is the work of God in Christ, there is a partnering with the ongoing work of the Spirit in our lives to keep ourselves as God's people.
Message for January 14 2024
Learning to Walk in Love
In 1 John we find a call to walk as Jesus walked; this call is connected to what it means to have fellowship with God and God's people through Jesus and what it means to have eternal life. It is a walking in the light as God himself is in the light; this involves the forming of our hearts to love God above all, to desire his will about the things of this world.
Message for January 7 2024
What does you life declare?
In 1 John 1 there is both a testimony and a call. John testifies to what he has heard and seen of the gospel as found in Christ, and calls his readers to respond by joining in the fellowship - the common purpose of Christ among us. It is a call for them (and us) to hear and to see that they (we) too may declare.