Chairman Mao’s cultural revolution saw the expulsion of missionaries from China, a crack down against the underground church and the closer of official churches. For many years, we were really in the dark about what was happening in China. Then when Deng Xiao Ping began to open up again, we were amazed to see that… Continue reading Witnesses (Revelation 10 – 11)
Category: Bible Study
Terror (Revelation 8-9)
“Change course” came the signal to the bridge. “No! We advise that you change course” was the response Again: “We strongly advise that you change course.” The officer on duty signalled a reply “This is a US Navy cruiser. We strongly advise that you change course.” After a short pause, the reply came back, “This… Continue reading Terror (Revelation 8-9)
The people of God kept safe (Revelation 7)
We started the year asking the question “How can we get through the year ahead?” Here’s a bit more of the answer. Keep trusting -knowing that God has promised to keep you safe through the trials and tribulations of this life (v 1-8) A sense of drama, we are waiting for the last of the… Continue reading The people of God kept safe (Revelation 7)
Rest (Hebrews 4:1-13)
How do you rest and relax? We are going to be looking at how we rest and what to do when we can’t find rest. We started though by looking at Hebrews 4 which talks about the rest that God invites us into. Here are a few highlights To understand what rest is, we need… Continue reading Rest (Hebrews 4:1-13)
Tested (Matthew 4:1-11)
“I will tell me dad.” There are few more reassuring things for a child than to know that their parents have got their back and are looking out for them. So, there is nothing more disturbing than when someone starts to sow doubt “My dad is bigger/stronger than yours). This is one of the devil’s… Continue reading Tested (Matthew 4:1-11)
Worthy is the lamb (Revelation 5-6 and 8:1-5)
Do you find life bewildering and overwhelming? It would be unsurprising if you did. We are barely half-way through the year and already we have been hit with so much. Front and centre has been the coronavirus outbreak and in the last few weeks turmoil, passion and anger resulting from racial tensions. Life is challenging… Continue reading Worthy is the lamb (Revelation 5-6 and 8:1-5)
Kings and nations tremble at his voice
I’m reposting this article from 2016. It offers reflection on how we respond to geo-political turmoil. The opening paragraph refers to the Brexit referendum, to David Cameron, Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Donald Trump’s election as US President. It seems pertinent today as we reflect back both on 4 years of turmoil. Brexit eventually happened… Continue reading Kings and nations tremble at his voice
The Chorus of Creation (Revelation 4)
I must admit I am neither a great artist or a great lover of art. My “relaxed” attitude towards the loss of statues, sculptures and monuments probably gave that away! However, even I can be captivated on walking into the Louvre or the British Museum by the beauty and wonder of the art and artifacts… Continue reading The Chorus of Creation (Revelation 4)
Church health check (Revelation 2-3)
Last time, we talked about the pressures that we face which might discourage and even overwhelm us. We saw that the churches, John was writing to were under intense pressure too. They were the minority in a cruel, Godless empire. They faced opposition and persecution. We will see some of that this week. However, you… Continue reading Church health check (Revelation 2-3)
The Lord of the Church
As we continue to live through Coronavirus, here are two questions to ask ourselves How are we going to get through the year ahead? How do we face A Troubled World – not just with reference to the virus, but the ongoing fear of terrorism, the challenge of Climate Change, a potential economic crisis, tensions… Continue reading The Lord of the Church