Tag: Jesus

#Worthy

The theme for our church’s Christmas events this year is “Worthy?” We are planning two carol services, a traditional style service with classic carols and readings on the 15th December in the evening and a family, nativity service on the 22nd December. We’re also planning for something on Christmas Eve and possibly Christmas Day too.… Continue reading #Worthy

Thus says the Lord? Sufficiency and a response to Tom Forryan in Evangelicals Now

Tom Forryan describes a visit to a church. “It was the first Sunday of the year and we were visiting a large church in our town. After the service an enthusiastic young man came up and told me, ‘The Lord has shown me you are in full-time Christian ministry.’ (How did the Lord do that?… Continue reading Thus says the Lord? Sufficiency and a response to Tom Forryan in Evangelicals Now

The “Jesus and non-violent resistance” meme

A meme is something that spreads qucickly through a culture, an idea or concept, often an image, especially via social media.  It may or may not be true but it’s impact is based on that ability to spread and its stickiness rather than on the evidence behind it. I wonder if we have such an… Continue reading The “Jesus and non-violent resistance” meme

Are fewer people going into Gospel ministry?

I have heard anecdotal comments made a few times to the effect that fewer people are going into Gospel/pastoral ministry. This includes seeing the statement made on blogs/podcasts and in mainstream Christian media articles. I hear of churches that go for a long time without being able to fill a post but then I’m also… Continue reading Are fewer people going into Gospel ministry?

Revealed

The question of Jesus’ identity has now been established and answers offered.  Peter’s answer that Jesus is “The Messiah” has been recognised as the correct verdict but what exactly does this mean? Peter’s own understanding of Messiahship has proven faulty and Jesus has made it clear that his identity as King is wrapped up in… Continue reading Revealed

Messiah

Christ is not a proper name or even a surname, despite the impression that is sometimes given by talk of Jesus Christ.  We might do better to talk about Jesus The Christ as with John The Baptist. The Christ is an anglicised form of the Greek for “anointed one” or “The Messiah.”  This referred to… Continue reading Messiah

Was the woman at the well ever married? A response to Denny Burk

Denny Burk writes here, speculating on whether or not the woman at the well (John 4:1-26) was married to any of the 5 men Jesus refers to.  His argument is based on the fact that the same Greek word, “aner” can be translated simply as “man” or as “husband” depending on context. Though having made… Continue reading Was the woman at the well ever married? A response to Denny Burk

Big Signs

The three synoptic gospels follow up closely Jesus’ kingdom parables by pairing two significant signs, or miraculous events together, the calming of a storm and the casting out of demons.  Luke will include a further significant sign, the raising of Jairus’ daughter. 13.1 Read Luke 8:22-25 One day, Jesus and his disciples cross Galilee by… Continue reading Big Signs

When people know nothing at all about Jesus

On a Friday afternoon, a group of us from our church get together at a local pub for one of our small groups.  The approach is “Ask anything?” Sometimes one of the group will raise a question that’s been bothering them but if not, the group leader will put forward a question to get us… Continue reading When people know nothing at all about Jesus