“The angel answered, ”I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news” (Luke 1:19). And thus the season of good news had begun.The obvious good news for Zechariah and Elisabeth was that their prayers have been heard. That … [Read more…]

“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people” (Luke 1:67-68).The pre-Christmas story as presented by Luke makes reference to the Holy Spirit as the “behind-the-scenes” power/person who not only directs/guides people but is personally … [Read more…]

”When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:41-42).In Luke’s gospel, the Holy Spirit is first mentioned in v.15 then in v.35. The angel’s … [Read more…]

“For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).There are two ways to approach the subject of God’s power. There is the theological approach: a presentation of God’s power in theological terms. The systematic theology books present God’s power under the heading “The omnipotence of God”. When it comes to God’s omnipotence we affirm our belief: … [Read more…]

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people” (Luke 1:25).Well…”Elisabeth, are you saying that all this time up to now you and Zechariah lived your life devoid of God’s favour?”Your old age…is a proof of God’s favourYears of … [Read more…]

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them” (Mark 2:3). The idea of today’s thought was born a few weeks back. At our Thursday night Home Group we are reading the Gospel of Mark. As you noticed the above Bible reference comes from Mark’s Gospel. The main point is about … [Read more…]

“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1, 2) The heart of God’s … [Read more…]

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).God’s giving, or his gracious provision toward us, is never obligated but is always freely given. He gives because He is a giver: no one forces Him to … [Read more…]

“Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).Jesus raised the banner of God’s generosity to address the prevalent mood of people (then and now). For Jesus the antidote against … [Read more…]

”But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32, 33).God’s knowledge encompasses the whole universe and reaches into our inner most being, down to the smallest particle. This is at the same time terrifying and comforting.Now, God’s knowledge would not be of much … [Read more…]

“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32, 33). Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1Timothy 1:15). The salvation brought by Him was … [Read more…]

”They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). The earthly dimension of our holiness is a work in progress (Hebrews 10:14). Being a work in progress means that there is still some work to be done. Hence, Peter reminds us about this fact … [Read more…]

“…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it” (Luke 9:23, 24). The Christian paradox of holiness: being holy but in the process of becoming … [Read more…]

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). As such, the Son reveals the eternal Father. The invisible cannot be seen. God is spirit – a being not constrained by matter, space and time: God cannot be seen. “No one has ever seen God…” (John 1:18). Jesus, … [Read more…]

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1Peter 1:15, 16). Exploring the subject of the cross as a sanctifying event we encountered what seemed to be a contradiction. Hebrews 10:10 revealed to us the most important … [Read more…]

”And by that will (God’s will), we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Reading Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 it is impossible to miss the main idea that Christ’s sacrifice is better than – superior to the Old Covenant order. More than that: … [Read more…]

”And by that will (God’s will), we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). On the cross, Jesus, as God’s Lamb took the whole of human depravity, absorbed it, bearing it to the end, totally convinced that God will use it for salvation of … [Read more…]

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). The cross, being the central event of our salvation, has brought us freedom – the cross is a liberating event. We live in a world, beautiful as … [Read more…]

”For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10). “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1). I could paraphrase these words saying, “How good … [Read more…]

“…Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). The cry from the cross was a cry/shout of victory: against sin and against death. The cross is central to our salvation. The term “the cross” that I am using means the cross event, not just the … [Read more…]

Apostle Paul begins this chapter warning the Christians in Philippi about those false teachers who taught salvation by works. It was type of ‘hybrid Gospel” where Jesus’ life and sacrifice, His atonement for sins once for all was not sufficient, so works were added, an adherence to the Law was required in order for salvation … [Read more…]

“You heard me say, `I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). The Son is not only the sent or the given Son, but He also is the … [Read more…]

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). With Jesus entering heaven, seated on the throne; at the right hand of God; wearing the heavenly garments of the … [Read more…]

“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).The ascension is Christ’s return to heaven from earth. Almost all … [Read more…]

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness” (NIV). “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalms 29:2). KJVWe will continue to take refuge under the glorious event of the resurrection. Take refuge from what? … [Read more…]

“…and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36). Last Sunday I mentioned an expression, which presented to me with a renewed force, maybe because we were reflecting on the importance of the resurrection. The expression is, “children of … [Read more…]

The resurrection as the foundation of our faith. The cross and the empty tomb are fundamental for the Christian faith. They stand and fall together. The resurrection permeates every aspect of the Christian life. The Christian is a new creation..he/she lives a new life – the resurrection life. The new life – the resurrection life … [Read more…]

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). The Christian life is energized by the resurrection. Very rarely we find a foundation without anything being built upon … [Read more…]

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith”…”And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1Corinthians 15:14, 17). On Good Friday, we answered the question, “What is good about Good Friday?” The question for today is, “What is … [Read more…]

The disciples and those close to Jesus, have witnessed the greatest tragedy they ever encountered in their lives: the arrest and interrogation of a good man; the false accusations, unfair judgment and floggings he endured; His crucifixion, death and burial. They were still in shock and confusion and in fear. Just when things started to … [Read more…]

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Following tragic events that result in loss of life, in many countries government buildings fly their flags at half-mast. Half-mast refers to a flag flying below the summit … [Read more…]

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen…” (Luke 19:37). The events preceding the birth of Jesus had an aura of royalty. The heavens were filled with great … [Read more…]

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means “God with us. (Matthew 1:23). We are fast approaching the celebration of Christianity’s most important event: the Resurrection Day. Paul put it this way, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are … [Read more…]

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Plant growth is a natural process in the sense that the plant has all the necessary information and structure that promotes growth. Where does the plant get the information … [Read more…]

“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17). Paul speaks to a crowd of people who, most likely, did not have a clue about what … [Read more…]

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).   Today, I will meditate upon our passage from Peter’s point of view, as he endeavoured to encourage his readers to stand firm … [Read more…]

”These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them” (2 Peter 2:17). Wells are a symbol of life….water means life. A well without water is a symbol of death…there can be no life without water. A dry well – a well without water – offers a … [Read more…]

Peter was more than ready and willing to remind his brothers and sisters about the need to confirm their calling and election…that is to live continuously in a state of: knowledge of God and Jesus, the Lord; participation in the divine nature, by “escaping” the worldly corruption “caused by evil desires”; making an effort to…grow … [Read more…]

”Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10, 11). Peter’s experience, augmented by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration led … [Read more…]

“I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). The great message of Christmas was/remains that God is with us. This, I believe is the essential meaning of Christmas. God is so … [Read more…]

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Generally, the … [Read more…]

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2:9). God is calling us out of “something” into “something” better. God is calling people out of sin into … [Read more…]

“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1Peter 5:12). Peter wrote his letter to encourage the church to stand firm facing the troubled times. He did so by … [Read more…]

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1Peter5:10). Reading Peter’s letter, one can hardly miss five major themes that are mentioned and expanded. It is not that we can … [Read more…]

“But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1Peter 4:11-19). Suffering often brings confusion, but also brings a greater perspective on life. The Church was doing it tough. Peter wrote, “…don’t be surprised…” Reading Acts, one may get the impression that the … [Read more…]

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1Peter 4:10). We operate on two levels/departments/dimensions: -the mental level: knowledge; experience; education; etc. – the mind level; -the practical level: actions; attitudes; We find this idea reflected in the way the Holy Spirit instructed … [Read more…]

“But in your hearts set apart 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may … [Read more…]

“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands…” (1 Peter3:1). “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner…” (1Peter 3:7) Peter wrote his first letter to a church that faced some kind of hardship: 1Peter 1:6; 2:12; 4:12; and … [Read more…]

For the first 300 years or so, the Christian Church faced persecution in many places throughout the Roman Empire. The persecution of Christians started in Jerusalem. The religious leaders of the day persecuted “The Way” (as it was called then) because it clashed with their traditional beliefs and practices. As the Christians spread in other … [Read more…]

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2: 9).   “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect … [Read more…]

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3). God is the source of life – wherever God is, there is life; whatever God … [Read more…]

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3). The new birth (being born again) comes with a living hope, infusing the mind and … [Read more…]

”…the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets…” Ecclesiastes 12:5 We moved to Adelaide in June 1992. One of the lasting memories about our move here is the blossoming almond trees we were seeing as we … [Read more…]

The majority of people, unfortunately, live their lives in these two realms: biological existence and social environment. The prevalent view/attitude is, “Let’s eat, drink and be merry…for tomorrow we’ll die” (Luke 12:19; 1Cor.15:32). People live/make use of their bodies to this extent. Our spiritual birth is not the result of a natural process or the … [Read more…]

“Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons” (Luke 15:11). Why would Jesus start His parables/teaching like this…so earthly…so story like. You could almost hear, “Once upon a time…” Why didn’t He begin His teachings something like, “See friends, where I come from…” or “There are sooo many stories where I come from. Listen … [Read more…]

”The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people” (Titus 3:8). As we are born (again) into God’s family our hands receive a new functionality: hands … [Read more…]

“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us” (2 John 1: 4). Faith in God brings about a significant transformation: a complete rebirth. Jesus used the term “born again” or “born from above”. With spiritual birth comes spiritual growth; With spiritual … [Read more…]

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalms 4:8). Too often, we find ourselves in need of help. At times help is readily available. Other times, help is nowhere to be found. And, often we realise that there is but one place our help … [Read more…]

“Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). The Bible has quite a lot to say about hearing. Today we will explore some of … [Read more…]

“Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink” (Genesis 21:19). The OT has two parallel functions: -the history of the Jewish nation and a pointer to Christ (Galatians 3:24). No doubt, we are more familiar with … [Read more…]

”And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts…” (Acts 2:42; 46). This is a “classic” passage, giving us a vivid picture … [Read more…]

“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16, 17). The present reality and the … [Read more…]

“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoplesa feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined” (Isaiah 25:6). One important aspect of the future kingdom of God is a banquet…a feast…a table (Matthew 8:11; 26:29; Revelation 19:6-10). The table: … [Read more…]

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1John 3:2). As soon as we are born again/born from above, we start the growth process … [Read more…]

“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:22). Let us have an exercise in imagination. Imagine: You live during those eventful times following Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. … [Read more…]

“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…]

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:13). Two words stand out in the first part of this petition. The word “lead” seems to imply that God intentionally and actively “leads” the believer into situations which may be harmful to his/her body and soul. The word here translated “temptation” … [Read more…]

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:13). Reading a few verses prior to this (v.13), we can imagine the Pharisees of the day, standing at prominent places, all dedicated to a prayer that was meant to catch the people’s attention. Jesus had something to say about them and … [Read more…]

Every country has its own important days, which are celebrated often with a nation-wide holiday – a day of rest and merriment. In our country we have Australia Day as a national holiday. It celebrates the process that led to the formation of Australia as a country. That process began in 26th January 1788 with … [Read more…]

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us” (Matthew 6:15). Praying for “daily bread” – or means for our sustenance, affirms our dependence on God. He is the un-failing Provider – Jehovah-Jireh. Our Father in heaven is providing generously and faithfully for our daily bodily needs. But man doesn’t live on … [Read more…]

“Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:15). Today’s part of the Lord’s Prayer is clear and easy to understand. There are no theological or interpretative difficulties present. Simple as it is, it provides for us a path which as we follow it we discover the wonderful and rich blessings of God. What path? The … [Read more…]

“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” (Matthew 6:14). As God’s children, we ought to live our lives under the “umbrella” of God’s will as it has been presented to us in the Bible. Last Sunday, the Old Testament reading contained the (well known) verse: “He has told you, O man, … [Read more…]

“Your kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:14). One of the ancients observed that God “…has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). (Actually it was a divine inspiration rather than observation…). What is eternity? … [Read more…]

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). There are … [Read more…]

“This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” (Matthew 6:9) Making New Year resolutions is a tradition, most common in the Western World  “in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change undesired behaviour, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behaviour at the beginning of … [Read more…]

“…Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). A picture is worth a thousand words. The “Christmas picture” is a mundane/common picture: it represents a normal life event. A baby being born is a normal life … [Read more…]

“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16) Let us use our imagination, shall we? This is the challenge: What would Christmas look like – without the Gospel stories about Jesus’ birth? No visiting angels; no heavenly host; no star… Without the well-known ‘nativity scene’? Without the … [Read more…]

”And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David…” (Luke 2:4) The promise of a deliverer – “the serpent’s head crusher” was made to “cancel” the evil one and his plans. … [Read more…]

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD… where the tribes go up…to praise the name of the LORD…” (Psalm 122:1, 4). Coming to planet earth, Jesus revealed to us the heart of God. We came to know that God desires a certain kind of worshipers … [Read more…]