Here is the exciting a liberating truth about our identity in Ephesians. If god’s purpose in saving me was to make me part of his family and if that was ultimately in order to display ss as his church in order to show off “the riches of his grace”, then I do not need to… Continue reading My purpose
Category: Bible Study
The trophy of grace
There’s that wonderful moment at the end of a major football competition where the tournament winners go up to the podium to receive their trophy. The team captain lifts the cup of shield as the players around him jump for joy, the press take photos and the crowd goes wild. Now, usually, by the time… Continue reading The trophy of grace
Our identity and purpose (Ephesians 1:3-14)
We have three basic or foundational needs: identity, comfort and protection. These needs when we look for them in the wrong ways, places or at the wrong time become the cause of temptation into sin and idolatry. However, they are real needs and meant to be met in and by Christ. Here, I want to… Continue reading Our identity and purpose (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Notes on Ephesians 1
I’m preparing to preach on Ephesians 1:3-14. One of the ways in which I prepare in advance for preaching is by jotting down my own commentary on the text. You may have seen that I’ve currently been working through Romans. Here are some notes on Ephesians 1 which I’ll be returning to and reflecting on… Continue reading Notes on Ephesians 1
The Glory of God
The Tabernacle has now been prepared and assembled. It seems as well that Moses’ make shift “Tent of Meeting” has been replaced by the new shrine. The Tabernacle has been consecrated and so that specific work was finished for Moses. God’s manifest presence God’s presence with his people has been represented by a pillar of… Continue reading The Glory of God
Romans 6:5-11
Paul reinforces the point, not only have we died with Christ but we have been buried with him, our death is like his, of the same kind, a death to sin. We share his death. This means that we also share his resurrection (v5). Our old self was in effect crucified with Christ so that… Continue reading Romans 6:5-11
Moving In
We’ve moved home a couple of times. We’ve never built our new home from scratch. I probably don’t need to tell you that. However, each move means careful planning, getting measurements, choosing furniture, assembling shelves, hanging curtains etc. The Israelites would one day move into “God’s place”, the promised land. In the meantime, during their… Continue reading Moving In
Romans 6:1-4
Paul’s interim conclusion has been that the Law has increased sin, increased the trespass or transgression. He has also said that this is good because where sin increases, so does grace. Does this mean that we have an excuse, a justification even for continuing to sin? Does what we do matter if we are forgiven… Continue reading Romans 6:1-4
Rebellion
There is now an interruption to the instructions that YHWH is giving to Moses on Sinai. Whilst Moses was meeting with God on the mountain, trouble was brewing in the camp below. Aaron would be tested, how would he respond? “Make us gods” The people observe that Moses is taking time to return from Sinai. … Continue reading Rebellion
A sign and a sending
One of the things I try to do every so often is share sample sermons to give you a feel for how to approach different types of preaching contexts. This was the conclusion of an all age worship service and so acts as kind of summing up. Much of the expository work was done through… Continue reading A sign and a sending
