As we read the book of James, it’s easy to conclude that he was a wise man. And it’s no wonder that he was wise, after all, James was the younger half-brother of Jesus. I couldn’t imagine living for  years in the household of Jesus without something good rubbing off on you. James, therefore, had…

Scattered throughout Jesus’ many conversations while on earth, are invitations for people to enter into a personal relationship with Himself and His heavenly Father. One of the best-known invites is recorded in Matthew 11:28-30. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,…

In writing to the sin compromised church at Corinth, the apostle Paul repeatedly emphasises the unique relationship believers have with the Lord. In doing so, he uses different phrases to accentuate different facets of the spiritual connection intertwining them with God through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit. In the first few chapters of 1…

This question challenges personal identity, individuality, and autonomy. What a mouthful. But these are the heart issues that arise when possession or ownership of our lives are spoken of. We understand this when talking of worldly slavery or identity theft, but when speaking of the Christian life, it can evoke raw emotions. For some, they…

As we read the New Testament, it doesn’t take long to realise that first generation Christians of the first century faced the same issues we do today. Time, different cultures, and advancing technology has not changed the aggression of the world towards Jesus Christ. Nor have they changed the deceptive desires of the human heart…

The apostle Paul, in writing to the church in Ephesus, explained some of the deepest truths found in Scripture. He also gave practical guidance on how to apply these truths in daily life. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,…

Following the apostle Paul’s words of thanks and appreciation for the Lord producing salvation in the believers of Thessalonica, he presents a short prayer. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in…

Encouragement is one of those universal tools that can be used by anyone wishing to benefit another person or group. For Christians, encouragement can be especially effective when we transfer to others the encouragement God implants in our lives. The apostle Paul was a master at this, as he sprinkled uplifting words throughout His writings,…

For many, seeking God is not easy. This is not because God’s hiding, but because our thinking is biased towards worldly misinformation about Him, which Satan fortifies through godless culture. Added to this struggle, is the instinctive self-deceiving nature of our hearts which lead us as far from God as possible. Thinking we can successfully…

Buried within David’s prayer of Psalm 86, sit two verses that speak to the very essence of our human condition and response to God. David, like many of us, lived a life packed with complexity and change. Both he and those who surrounded him, were inconsistent and unreliable in their day to day living towards…

Apollos is one of those New Testament characters who gets my attention for all the right reasons. He was a Jewish believer from Alexandria who first appears to us in Ephesus. Acts 18:24-25 tells us that Apollos was an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well… He had been taught the way of the Lord,…

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well of John chapter 4, gives us a uniquely compact view into Jesus’ character. While Jesus is obviously the centrepiece of this story, credit must go to this lady for her open willingness to engage with Jesus, and then to become an effective ambassador for Him. According…

Paul’s instructions in Romans 14 addresses judging others and the actions that often cause others to struggle in their faith. He then introduces a practical tool to handle these damaging issues which are far too common. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19). Reading this chapter, it’s…

Romans 15:3 states that Christ did not please himself. This defies worldly wisdom; Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords didn’t even please Himself. Paul makes this observation while exhorting Christians; we who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and…

There was nothing unusual about Jesus observing a blind man begging on the side of the street (John 9:1). John records that somehow Jesus’ disciples knew this man had been blind from birth. So, they ask Jesus what seems a foolish question; who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? (Jn…

It was another day of antagonism; Jesus was again publicly drawn into discussion by the Pharisees. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). However, on this occasion, there were those who professed…

People are created by God to live more productively when motivated by purpose. The Bible repeatedly speaks of God’s purpose for people; sometimes for humanity, for nations, for marriage, for families, for individuals, for the Church, and even for Jesus’ coming to earth. God’s purposes are comprehensive, and they can stretch our thoughts and faith…

It’s always fascinating listening to people talk of their lives, as it doesn’t take long to hear of their passions and the things they value most. In my experience, relationships, especially family, are often the highest ranking. I’ve learnt that typically the older we grow the more precious family become, and rightly so. Sooner or…

The ancient city of Nineveh provides both wonderful and frightening lessons for us. Historically and culturally, the Assyrian culture of the Ninevites was godless, brutal, and fiercely courageous in conquering their enemies. Yet, God sent fearful Jonah, warning the Ninevites of imminent judgement; forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh…

Every Christian faces discouragement of various kinds at different times. And although discouragement is an internal process, it is often triggered by external experiences. Therefore, how we respond to discouragement is important, as our response impacts both ourselves and others. The apostle Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. So we do not lose…