18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.1 Peter 1:18-19There are some things in life that just feel empty. Like mowing the lawn. I hate it. Because I can almost feel the grass growing back. Peter s...  Read More

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.1 Peter 3:15Why should we talk to people about Jesus? Peter reminds us, even as our faith is internal, our faith is not practised in isolation or privately. To revere Christ as Lord is to be prepared to give a...  Read More

As iron sharpens iron,so one person sharpens anotherProverbs 27:17Well, here’s a Proverb we can all get behind right. Sounds good. I wonder though, if this is one of those Proverbs that we love in principle but hate in practice.A few things about iron sharpening iron. It can be loud. Uncomfortable. Sparks can fly. The reality of conflict has led to many just avoiding it. Either because they don’t ...  Read More

2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.1 Peter 2:2-3One of the realities of Church life is that you are around babies alot. And it’s wonderful. But I know from my own that when babies are hungry, they let you know about it. Hopefully you haven’t experienced that on an international flight o...  Read More

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.1 Peter 1:17We just finished a Living Grounded Episode on the Fear of the Lord. You can find that on Spotify. But I thought I’d continue the theme by reflecting on this verse in 1 Peter.I’ve got three children and now two nieces who we spend a fair bit of time with. The n...  Read More

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.2 Timothy 2:1-2I’ve been reading a book on the 14th century - when the bubonic plague decimated the populations of Europe (up to 50%!).It made me very thankful for our government. Aft...  Read More

Q.11. What are God’s works of providence?A. God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.Westminster Shorter CatechismWe are over 10 weeks into the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Written in the 1600’s, it was designed to teach people all they needed to know about what God has revealed in the Scriptures using what...  Read More

Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6One of the greatest lies that our culture ever told was that a godly existence = condemned to a boring vanilla life. To think that you might only ever have sex with one person or no person. Or that you wouldn’t enjoy the pleasures of drug exp...  Read More

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving...  Read More

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 15:5-6From before we even planted Village Church, Romans 15:5-6 has been my prayer. One of my experiences of Church has been division. No, not at Village (so far). But bef...  Read More

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when ...  Read More

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.Psalm 107:21We’ve talked a few times about what we give thanks for. And I reckon, most of us are still in the boat of giving thanks most of all for things that make our life easier, safer or more enjoyable.We thank God for the food He gives. For the shelter. For the friends and family we love. For the job o...  Read More