Mordecai has asked Esther to go to the king and intercede for God’s people, the Jews who are threatened by Haman’s planned genoci in NJde. Esther responds by pointing out to Mordecai that this would put her own life at risk. She cannot simply go into the king as she pleases but must wait to… Continue reading For this moment
Category: Bible Study
Deliver us from evil
News reaches Mordecai of Haman’s orders. His response is to go into public mourning, tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth and covering his head with ash. As news spreads, other Jews do the same. This was a cry to God for mercy and deliverance. It is important not to treat Mordecai as somehow to blame.… Continue reading Deliver us from evil
What Kind of Church? A Pure Church ( 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
In the 1990’s sitcom “Goodnight sweetheart”, Nicholas Lyndhurst stars as a Gary Sparrow who has found a time portal to the 1940s and ends up living a double life between his wife Yvonne in the late 20th century and Phoebe a barmaid in the blitz. We can so easily live compartmentalised lives separating out church,… Continue reading What Kind of Church? A Pure Church ( 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
What kind of church? A forgiven Church (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
Introduction – “See you in court” Imagine two Christians falling out maybe over something petty – and taking it to court. We would be shocked. That’s the sense of what is happening here (v 1). The sense is “How dare you?” The correct response is disgust, disgrace, shame. This is the second time that Paul… Continue reading What kind of church? A forgiven Church (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
What kind of Church? A holy church (1 Corinthians 5)
The church is made up of imperfect people, simultaneously saints and sinners. We have a constant responsibility to challenge and encourage one another about sin. But what happens when things become more serious? Don’t get caught in the headlights (v1 -5) Have you heard the expression “a rabbit caught in the headlights?” It refers to… Continue reading What kind of Church? A holy church (1 Corinthians 5)
A discerning Church ( 1 Corinthians 4 )
Discernment is about making judgements about people and plans. How we do it? Well, contemporary society tells us that “the consumer is king.” It’s for us as customers to decide what is best for us, what we are worth, whether that’s about objects (cars, houses, TVs. Tablets etc), relationships or entertainment. Saturday night TV invites… Continue reading A discerning Church ( 1 Corinthians 4 )
Resources for Bible study
The other day I wrote about how the main book you need to be reading if you want to be involved in urban ministry is the Bible. In fact this is true of all believers and anyone who wants to be involved in any form of Christian service. I’ve been gradually putting together some Bible… Continue reading Resources for Bible study
What Kind of Church? – A humble Church (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)
Remember when those rich and powerful Premier League football teams were outmanoeuvred and outplayed. Who’d have thought that a team costing just £50 million – the sort of money the big boys pay for one player these days could win the title. That’s what Leicester City achieved only a few years ago. It’s almost as… Continue reading What Kind of Church? – A humble Church (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)
What kind of church? – A united church ( 1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
Jesus calls us to be one. Our love for each other is meant to be a witness to others but so often we fail in this. Churches end up being characterised by division, factions & tribalism. Christians create their own heroes. These might be national/international celebrity Christians or the go to people in the local… Continue reading What kind of church? – A united church ( 1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
What kind of Church? A gifted Church (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)
Introduction Packing for a journey – Who packs early? Who throws everything in the car at the last minute? Who just sets off thinking “it’ll all work out somehow?” Who is planning and checking to the last minute -double check the suitcase, making sure doors and windows are locked? Who is asking. “Will I have… Continue reading What kind of Church? A gifted Church (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)
