Jesus was attacked by the religious leaders for healing on the Sabbath. Then he was attacked for claiming to be the Son of God. Jesus explained his relationship with his Father. Jesus declared that he would judge the dead whom he would raise.But his (and our) work meanwhile is also to Wake the Dead (the spiritually dead).
Read MoreThis is a well known miracle and the only one recorded in all four gospels. So our familiarity with it can tempt us to treat it rather glibly and miss out the extra detail that John provides.
Indeed, if we examine every verse and ask questions, the whole passage lights up like never before.
Bible Study - John 5.16-30 The Authority of the So
This passage is most profound, and it is a privilege to study and discuss.
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One of my favourite stories in the old testament is the one about Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego - and it's all because of one short little phrase.
Read MoreWhenever you have power, you should use it help a person - not withholding the good you can give through your power. Afterall, if we trust God, we are actually His agents at work in the world that needs help - and God is able to bring people across our paths who we can help.
Read MoreMy mind had moved quickly from misplaced wallet to stolen wallet - i was already worrying about tomorrow, when really, there was no need. I was feeling stressed about tomorrow when it was all in my head. Today has enough troubles yet i had begun to fill my head with tomorrows troubles also.
Read MoreA great habit is to ask every day for wisdom - to ask God for help with your everyday things. And maybe you can avoid making decisions you didn't need to make, spending what you didnt need to spend, and giving time to things that never needed time.
Read MoreJohn 5.1-15 Healing at the Pool. Every miracle of Jesus is amazing. This one made us even more struck with wonder.
Read MoreWhen Jesus invites us to follow Him, when you grasp that 'me' fully, you too will have a decision make - to give up your life and follow....or stay with the fish. These ordinary people followed because when the 'me' invites you, to follow is the only action that makes sense.
Read MoreFinding moments to engage in contemplative thinking has always been a challenge, but today more than ever, we struggle to create space in our lives for reflection. Instead, there are powerful media devices everywhere that promise unending entertainment and amusement.
Read MoreToday, we find ourselves watching more YouTube and Netflix than ever and picking up the iPad to surf the internet or listen to a podcast. Is there any place in your schedule left for that time to be still?
Read MoreBut this is not about your face. The point is you can never reach the end of reflection or pin it down to a formula or an approach – and if you try, I suggest you will quickly become bored and stale in your sketch-life! Or worse, become too critical and self-righteous.
Read MoreJesus' mercy transcends barriers of race, gender, space and time.
Read MoreHave you ever felt like there was pressure on all sides? A time when peace was hard to find? You are busy and when you stop, your mind is full of thoughts and your heart just races. It is difficult to sleep, and you feel wrung out, empty and exhausted. All that David had at the Cave at Adullam was the Lord.
Read MoreIn the same way, you can have a moment reading the scriptures and in prayer but it fades – you cannot live in the past memories. Rather those past memories encourage you to go, and taste again!
Read MoreAs in John's other letters he frequently refers to "love" and "truth" inseparably.
We agreed that by the truth he means the gospel truth.
This precious truth binds all Christians in his love as they work for his glory.
John has no greater joy than to see his loved ones walking in the truth
Putting on clothes like this is a faith step, and a physical step of action, belief and attitude that we practice. Here, our the physical reality of the old nature is challenged by faith. And like a doctors coat, we allow the clothes of Christ to influence our thinking, our attitudes, our hearts. This is faith at work in a very practice sense.
Read MoreRemember People// People matter more than work!
Read MoreThroughout this letter John inseparably combines love and truth. We must love but it must be governed by the truth, a topical subject presently. John warns not to give any hospitality to or even greet the false teachers.
Read MoreThe best thing a dad can do for his kids is to really love their mother. More than giving “things”, more than fancy holidays, more than expensive schools. Really love their mother.
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