For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.1 Timothy 4:8Let’s double down on yesterday’s passage. I really hate exercise. I’d rather not do it. I like being fit and feeling fit. But not the process. But I do some form of exercise four or five times a week. I get through it by reminding myself of the...  Read More

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.1 Timothy 4:7-8We are a community obsessed with physical training. Going for a run, to the gym, surfing or sport, we think exercise is the key to thriving under ...  Read More

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.Matthew 5:17-18The 10 commandments and the many other laws of God given through Moses have ...  Read More

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.Hebrews 4:9-11Do you get tired of hard work? Particularly, of the hard work of following Jesus? It isn’t easy to resist the te...  Read More

Q. 89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.Westminster Shorter Catechism How are you going, Theology Thursday readers? How are you going with the catechism? How do you find ...  Read More

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:31-32Friendships can be one of the most enriching experiences in life and one of the most heartbreaking. Conflict is a normal part of any relationship and friendships usually have their ...  Read More

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house....  Read More

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.Philippians 1:27There are some responses that are just natural and right. To hear news of a loved ones death - it’s natural to be grieved. To be surprised by a gift - it’s natural to be joyful.The gospel has a natural response. It’s a different way of living. Recognising the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to die fo...  Read More

Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”Luke ...  Read More

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,    for they will be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,    for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,    for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,    for they will see God....  Read More

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Ephesians 2:10I’ve been unemployed a few times in my life. My first University degree was a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History & Politics. To steal a movie quote, all this meant is that I could think deeper thoughts about being unemployed.I remember it was really hard. That feeling...  Read More

Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christcommunicates to us the benefits of redemption?A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.Westminster Shorter Catechism Ok. Some language to deal with here. That beau...  Read More