Adapated from A New Year in Christ (published December 31, 2018) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 New Year, a wonder for many! Its arrival is often long awaited, as though it contains a health-giving quality that was non-existent in the year about to be cast into oblivion. As the past morphs into the future when the clock hands…
“He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved” – Psalm 62:6 Upon what foundation does Jesus tell us the wise man builds his house? And why does He tell us this? Because when the rain descends and the floods come up, and when the winds blow and beat on that house, it will not fall – for it was founded on the rock. But what constitutes the rock? Is it not…
“Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also” – Luke 2:35 The incarnation of Jesus Christ, God the Son, was profound. What was another great wonder was the Crucifixion, for although the Jews were waiting for their Messiah, they were not expecting a suffering servant but a conquering King, despite the revelation contained in Scripture. The scene played true to their expectation – the angel Gabriel declaring to Mary that Jesus would be great, called the Son of…
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” – James 1:2 One of the hardest aspects about Scripture is that it so often contradicts human nature. Its principles and practises are sometimes tougher than cowhide to digest, and nothing other than the power of the Holy Spirit working in us will prevent us from choking on it. It is contrary to nature to desire pain; it is contrary to nature to desire trouble; it is contrary…
“I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” — John 10:10b At this time of year there are always arguments about Christmas: Is the Christmas festival a Christian celebration or not? Should Christians celebrate it or not? Was Jesus born on Christmas day or not? Some people ignore such questions and carry on with the tradition passed down to them through the generations, while others will not associate with anything remotely resembling…
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). This He gives to the Christian, and it is a peace that encompasses rest, quietness, oneness and calmness. It is peace in the…
“Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I (Jesus) have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.” — Luke 22:31,32 This is a powerful piece of Scripture. Apart from its general understanding, its revelation is twofold – a) Jesus’ access to the throne of God, and b) the “shocking” reality of what God allows. a) Having read in the book of Job what transpired before the throne of God, it…
“Have you considered My servant Job?” — Job 1:8 The book of Job transports us up into the very golden realms of heaven from the muddy earth-clod land beneath. It opens closed doors on the spiritual and gives a specific but vivid entrance into God’s throne room. What a panoramic window we have on two simultaneous worlds operating in different spheres yet linked and bearing consequence directly upon what transpires in one or the other. This is the first understanding we…