We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope ...  Read More

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, an...  Read More

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”Then the men s...  Read More

  he will swallow up death forever.The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears    from all faces;he will remove his people’s disgrace    from all the earth.The Lord has spoken.In that day they will say,“Surely this is our God;    we trusted in him, and he saved us.This is the Lord, we trusted in him;    let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”Isaiah 28:8-9It’s the lead up to Easter and I want...  Read More

28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”Matthew 16:28Have you ever been to a red carpet event? Or maybe you jumped on the crowd for the arrival of your favorite band or sports team or even when the King visited Australia? People love a glorious entrance. It’s why we do weddings the way we do - all attention on the ...  Read More

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God,    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing    by taking the very nature of a servant,    being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man,    he humbled himself    by becoming obedient to death— ...  Read More

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil    or be envious of those who do wrong;2 for like the grass they will soon wither,    like green plants they will soon die away.3 Trust in the Lord and do good;    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.4 Take delight in the Lord,    and he will give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 37:1-4I’m still reflecting on yesterday’s blog. I’m regularly confr...  Read More

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:8 “‘These people honor me with their lips,    but their hearts are far from me.9 They worship me in vain;    their teachings are merely human rules.’”Matthew 15:7-9Why do you do the things you do? Work for instance? Do you turn up to work because you love your job? Or because it pays the bills? Do you hang out with your family because y...  Read More

54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”55 “Where, O death, is your victory?    Where, O death, is your sting?”56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 ...  Read More

“Faith lays hold of Christ and grasps Him as a present possession, just as the ring holds the jewel.”Martin LutherWhat makes Christianity so different from every other religion? What is perhaps the greatest difference between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism? It is this, that salvation is found in sola fide (faith alone).In every other major religious system, it is your works or merits which de...  Read More

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”Luke 12:13-15I was reflecting the other day on how easily I buy things. One of the reasons we stru...  Read More

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciple...  Read More