Christians pray. Why? There are many reasons. But do we expect him to answer? Do we believe he will answer. In Acts 12:12-17, Peter has been miraculously released from prison. The church in Jerusalem were doing the right thing while he was there – they were praying for him (v5), earnestly. Yet when the answer … More Praying and believing (Acts 12:12-17)
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in … More Praying in times of trouble (Acts 4:23-31)
Our church Bible reading plan continues today with Acts 1. The traditional title of the book is “Acts of the Apostles.” Others have criticised this title and said that it is not so much the apostles who were doing things but the Holy Spirit. So, they say, the book should be called “Acts of the … More Acts
Leonard Ravenhill’s Why Revival Tarries (Bethany House, 2004) is a class book in revival, originally written in 1959, and reprinted many times since. I first read it over 25 years ago when I was more involved in the charismatic movement. Although I’m not there now, and this isn’t a book that ticks all my theological … More Why Revival Tarries?
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem … More Suffering before the cross (Mark 3:20-22)
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35) Every time I read this verse, I am challenged about my own prayer life. Jesus had so much to do (Simon and the others are coming to … More Oh, to pray like Jesus!
Tomorrow our church begins the Navigators’ 5x5x5 reading plan, which takes us through the New Testament in a year, with readings for 5 days each week. I plan to post some short reflections on the readings from time to time, but before we start, here are some thoughts on how to approach reading God’s word. … More How to approach reading God’s word
Hebrews 4:15. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses.” The Christmas story reveals that God the Son, while remaining fully God, took to Himself a true human nature. That human nature was real and He experienced all the weaknesses and frailty of human nature: tiredness, hunger, thirst, … More Christmas meditation 2023
This is the next message in the book of Psalms and follows on from last Sunday’s message. We see the raw honesty of David’s cry to God and how this cry resolves in prayer and confidence. As usual the video is recorded ahead of our Sunday service for those who are unable to attend. The … More Sunday sermon for 13 December – Psalm 10 – Where to look in trouble part 2
Today’s sermon, from Psalm 9, looks at how David focuses on the Lord’s wonderful deeds and who He is. It is from this foundation that David prays for God’s grace and deliverance. The video (recorded yesterday) is below, followed by the notes that go to those without internet. Last time Psalm 8 encouraged us to … More Sunday sermon for 6 December 2020 – Psalm 9 – Where to look in trouble part 1 –
The best is yet to come 