Chosen, Included, and Sealed, Part 1
The spiritual biography of every Christian humbles us and points to God’s glory: we have been chosen in Christ, included in in him through the gospel, and sealed by this Spirit. This story of our salvation comforts and assures us, and it prompts us to glorify God.
God's Great Generosity, Part 2
God is worthy of all praise because he has blessed us so richly, and without our merit. He has purposed to include us in Christ—even as he plans to bring all things in the universe under the headship of Christ—all for the praise of his glorious grace.
God's Great Generosity, Part 1
God is worthy of all praise because he has blessed us so richly, and without our merit. He has purposed to include us in Christ—even as he plans to bring all things in the universe under the headship of Christ—all for the praise of his glorious grace.
The Kingdom of Reconciliation & Forgiveness, Part 2
It would be nice to imagine that being a Christian would mean we never encountered conflict any more—conflict with one another, conflict within the church. But sadly, the sinful nature within each one of us is such that we fail relationally and need to deal with the fallout. What do we do when others sin against us? Jesus says to pursue reconciliation and extend forgiveness. These are vital lessons for each of us to learn.
The Kingdom of Reconciliation & Forgiveness, Part 1
It would be nice to imagine that being a Christian would mean we never encountered conflict any more—conflict with one another, conflict within the church. But sadly, the sinful nature within each one of us is such that we fail relationally and need to deal with the fallout. What do we do when others sin against us? Jesus says to pursue reconciliation and extend forgiveness. These are vital lessons for each of us to learn.
The King & Children of the Kingdom, Part 1
The values of the kingdom of Jesus Christ are upside down and backwards when compared to the values of this world. Against the backdrop of a world where might is right—where we press our cause and make our case—Jesus commends to us the value of childlike humility. He calls each of us to have that childlike humility as we approach him, as we approach the ugly reality of temptation and sin, and as we approach one another.
The King & Children of the Kingdom, Part 1
The values of the kingdom of Jesus Christ are upside down and backwards when compared to the values of this world. Against the backdrop of a world where might is right—where we press our cause and make our case—Jesus commends to us the value of childlike humility. He calls each of us to have that childlike humility as we approach him, as we approach the ugly reality of temptation and sin, and as we approach one another.
The Son of Humble Authority, Part 2
Jesus is the Son of God—the divine prince of heaven. Matthew makes that so clear to us on the Mount of Transfiguration. As we read on in Matthew, what is so very striking is the way in which Jesus exercises his heavenly authority and power. We see him showing mercy to the suffering, submitting himself to the cross as he prepares to go to Jerusalem, and in his interactions, taking care to avoid offense. Jesus shows us a unique kind of authority here—a humble authority. He will use his power to save us—and he will show us what it looks like to follow this humble King.
The Son of Humble Authority, Part 1
Jesus is the Son of God—the divine prince of heaven. Matthew makes that so clear to us on the Mount of Transfiguration. As we read on in Matthew, what is so very striking is the way in which Jesus exercises his heavenly authority and power. We see him showing mercy to the suffering, submitting himself to the cross as he prepares to go to Jerusalem, and in his interactions, taking care to avoid offense. Jesus shows us a unique kind of authority here—a humble authority. He will use his power to save us—and he will show us what it looks like to follow this humble King.
The Son of Heavenly Glory, Part 2
It’s always exciting to take a backstage tour in a grand venue—to see where the stars prepare—perhaps to see them behind the scenes and to know them as they really are. On the Mount of Transfiguration, we are given a backstage pass to see a glimpse of Jesus in his heavenly splendour and to hear the voice of the Father above. Seeing Jesus in this light, we learn to listen all the more closely to his word, and to trust him entirely as the glorious Son of heaven.