“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him” (Mark 6:3). Mary’s motherhood was a gift from God – God’s favour to a humble young woman. It came with moments of … [Read more…]
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18). Happy mother’s day to all mothers reading this newsletter. Given the special day – Mother’s Day – … [Read more…]
The resurrection event, “forced” the disciples to “make sense of it”; to find out where it fit in God’s great plan; and so on. The cross event dealt with the past….once for all, a sacrifice was offered for all sins (Hebrews 7:27). The resurrection event dealt with the future…forever became accessible. The cross brought us … [Read more…]
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into…an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you…” (1Peter 1:3, 4). Some build it. Some fight for it. Some migrate to it. Some talk about it. Some dream … [Read more…]
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you…” (1Peter 1:3, 4). For the … [Read more…]
The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the central event of human history. Nothing like that happened before and nothing like that has happened since. Paul, the apostle, places the resurrection at the very pinnacle of the Christian proclamation and teaching; or to put differently, the resurrection is the foundation on which Christianity stands (1 … [Read more…]
When it comes to the cross, we look at it retrospectively…that is we “look back” at the events which were unfolding in Jerusalem. As we look back at the cross, we can’t see it clearly…we have to use our imagination extensively. And even if our imagination works perfectly, our view of the cross is still … [Read more…]
Jesus was making his way toward Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44). This time the journey was made openly (John7:10). It was a special journey, a symbolic journey – a fulfilment of an ancient prophecy. The King was to come surrounded by joy and shouts of acclamation. He did. The crowds were shouting, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of … [Read more…]
For those familiar with the Bible, Nicodemus is the “man who came to Jesus at night”. He was an important man of the Jewish society (John 3:1ff). People were talking a lot about Jesus. There was no better way to separate fact from rumour than to talk with Jesus personally. Perhaps Nicodemus was afraid of … [Read more…]
“For Yours is the kingdom and power and the glory.” (Matt 6:13). We often read about great prayers and the great things that have been accomplished as a result. OT: Moses prays with his hands lifted up and the Israel’s army is winning; NT: The church prays for Peter’s return. As they pray, he knocks … [Read more…]