This verse in Matthew 16 has invaded my thoughts particularly in the aftermath of the attacks in Sri Lanka. We seem to go from attack to attack right now. One thing is certain, our warfare is visible now for all to see. I do not desire to get into the radical Islam discussion because it is not about our Theology but it is how our interpretation is conditioning the out working of a theology that comes diametrically opposed to the well being of other people groups. The attacks were hotels, tourist places and a Church, where the number of the … Continue reading “I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail”

Luke 24 I have been in this chapter for many months concerning the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. The resurrection is reported to have taken place before dawn. Mary has seen Jesus, and she is sent to speak to the disciples concerning Him. The disciples did not believe. And about noon Jesus comes near to two disciples who were vociferously and dynamically talking concerning the events of the last days. Pain and dismay is a main feature of their exchange. The risen Christ is prevented to be recognised. And asks what they are talking about. They reply “are … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through the cross part 7; hearts that burn

Ephesians 4 is a surprising window upon what happened on that holy Saturday. It is the highest sabbath of the year. There was a anxiety on Golgotha that the Jewish bodies needed taking down from the crosses and buried before sundown. This is because this high sabbath was to be celebrated as the last part of the Passover feast. But the sabbath was being fulfilled whilst Jesus was in that eternal place. As they were celebrating the height of the feast so Jesus had descended to the lowest place. I remember when I was training in ministry in the late … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through the Cross part 6; when descending resolved eternal realities.

And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through the Cross part 5; Be near the Cross, qualifying for intimacy.

The last day of His life was most eventful. We read in 4 chapters of John a detailed account of the Last Supper. We read of the revelation of the betrayed, the agonising prayer in the Garden, and betrayal with a kiss. We read in the other Gospels detailed and emotional accounts of the Passover story. And it’s a story that is and has been repeated for the last 2 thousand years. The acts and words of Jesus at the Last Supper are not words to be understood at that hour. The fact is for us who know the story … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through the Cross part 4; preparation for pain

Mark’s Gospel in Chapter 11 shows us something the others’ don’t concerning the flow of the narrative. We are presented with the Triumphal Entry, then the 1st visitation to the Temple and then the Fig Tree, the Cleansing of the Temple. They are not the random stories but they convey a coherent and prophetic message. This week marks the height of the Christian calendar. Mark 11 is supposed to be a continuous narrative with a connected context. That is very often we can take vs23 and 24 out of context. It is not faith for things, but faith for change. … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through the Cross; part 3; The Triumphal Entry, Fig Tree, 2 Visitations to the Temple.

Yesterday was moving for all of us as the unthinkable happened. It seems that reports abound of terrorism. This photo shows the Truth. The Cross stands even when all falls down. Of course the Cathedral is a house of religious beauty and heritage. The last few weeks have shown the succession of Churches being burned and profaned . France is undergoing the birth pangs of revolution. The battle is between the Church and radicalised people. We see in this picture a statement to the whole world: which is burning in racial and religious tension, injustices, the roof falling in on … Continue reading Notre Dame aftermath

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. Luke 19:44 KJV The key is knowing the Kairos Jesus’s entry to journey is marked by Him weeping over the city of Jerusalem. He is looking down 40 years to when Titus would come to destroy. Jesus sees this as being the end of a process where the times of the Gentiles would be the forefront of the Great Commission. Paul talks about this mystery in his … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through the Cross part 2; weeping prophecy

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Luke 9:31 KJV The turning point of Jesus’ earthly mission comes at the Transfiguration. Here the eternal realms are rolled back to reveal a taster of the Eternal Christ, Eternal Father. When I meditate on this there are occasions where Jesus is revealed to us in Glory. He comes to us to reveal the turning points in our walk. This series is obviously timed to coincide with Easter because beyond it relevant to this time of year it represents the walk we all need to … Continue reading Walking with Jesus through Calvary part 1

New series! Walking with Jesus to Calvary! Continue reading New! Series for Easter