Are you familiar with the Bible's narrative? Have you ever followed it all the way through from Genesis to Revelation? If so, one thing you may have noticed is that as the narrative progresses, the community of people who make up God's family grows ever wider and more inclusive. Why is that? How does it …
God is not…obliged to save us
Of all the things the Bible tells us about God, this may be one of the most difficult for us to accept, particularly in the post-modern world of 2025. It's a topic that a lot of people may find controversial. One of the most common questions which people - sceptics and believers alike - will …
God is….a creator
Anyone who's ever picked up the Bible is probably familiar with the creation story in Genesis 1. Six days in which God created the heavens and the earth, and then the seventh day on which he rested. For each day the writer describes a different aspect of the material world: light and darkness; sky and …
2025 is here!
Hello everyone and a very happy new year to you all! 2024 was a fascinating and perhaps troubling year. The UK and US both saw elections - the Labour party are now in power in Britain, and have already made several very controversial and unpopular decisions. Over in America, Donald Trump was elected to serve …
Jesus – the greatest man who ever lived
As I type these words, it's Christmas day, a day when most of the world celebrates and remembers the birth of Jesus. Although he almost certainly wasn't actually born at this time of year, December 25th is when we traditionally remember the nativity story. For many people who aren't Christians, this may be the only …
Matthew 7 – Good and bad foundations
Last week we looked at Jesus' warning that when he returns to the earth, not everyone who'll welcome him as their lord will be recognised by him. I suggested that there's a four-step process to becoming a genuine Christian who'll be accepted by Jesus: a correct understanding of God's word leads to faith, faith leads …
Matthew 7 – True and false disciples
Last week we saw Jesus' warning to us about church leaders: while some will be faithful shepherds trying their best to feed their flock, others will be wolves in sheep's clothing only interested in feeding on the flock. He taught that we can tell the difference by examining the fruits of their conduct as leaders …
Matthew 7: False prophets
Let's read Matthew 7:15-20: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good …
Matthew 7 – Two gates.
Let's read Matthew 7:13-14 - "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." In these verses Jesus continued his teaching …
Matthew 7: The Golden Rule
Today we'll look at a single verse, and it's one of the best known out of all of Jesus' teaching. Let's read Matthew 7:12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. This verse is often referred to as "the …
Nihilist to Christian 