Jesus said to abide in him. That includes loving him and following his commands — oh, and also be hated! This episode is a Bible study of John 15:18-16:4. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
Tag: Jesus Christ
What Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit and how that helps you (Growing Deeper with John 14:15-31)
God will send a special Helper to live within Jesus’ people: The “Parakletos.” Who is this Holy Spirit and what does he do? This episode is a Bible Study on John 14:15-31.
What do we really know about the historical Jesus, and how does that impact our faith? [Sermon]
Jesus is the centre of our faith. He came to give us life; but what was his like? What did he look like? What was
Something forgotten, fun facts and curiosities about the Christmas story
Why a census? How far to Bethlehem? Was Jesus born inside or outside? What is something we’ve forgotten (but previous generations didn’t)? This episode shares an informal, interactive time with the congregation on Christmas morning as I answer these questions and more.
“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” Does Jesus give us a blank cheque in prayer?
Jesus said: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” Is that a blank cheque? This podcast is a short exert from a worship service on December 18, 2022 and provides some explanation.
A closer look at the nativity in Luke 2:1-20: politics, fear, subversion, war and hope
We know the Christmas story. Or do we? If it doesn’t seem revolutionary or exciting, you’re not seeing the whole picture. This podcast and blog is a closer look at Luke 2:1-20.
Exclusive Inclusion: Is Jesus the only Way? [Sermon]
In confusing times Jesus offers a word of clarity, compassion – and controversy. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Is Jesus really the only way? That’s what this sermon explores.
Jesus prepares a place for us, is the (only) Way, and calls us to bold prayer (Growing Deeper with John 14:1-14)
This teaching by Jesus includes comfort, controversy, and a call. First, he tells his disciples that he goes ahead to prepare a place for them
Jesus said he came to give us abundant life. What did he mean?
Is this Jesus’ version of “live your best life now”? Yes and No. Think bigger. Think life that is “abundant.” This podcast and blog distil Jesus’ use of the word “life” in John’s Gospel to two main ideas.
Downward Mobility [Sermon]
How would you define success? Is it accumulating money, influence, beauty or power? Well, of course not. We wouldn’t admit that — at least not
When Jesus washed Judas’ feet and set us an example (Growing Deeper with John 13:1-30)
It was the lead-up to his torture, crucifixion and death. The disciples were there, including Judas. He was preparing to betray Jesus to the authorities,
Can we earn heaven? Matthew 7:21 unsettles me, please explain
In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I’m also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you explain?”
Your soul has an appetite [Sermon]
Your soul has an appetite — fill it with the wrong thing and be eternally corroded; fill it with the right thing and be eternally contented. This sermon on John 6:25-71 explores this idea as Jesus speaks controversial words about being “the bread of life.”
Walking on water and eclipsing fear (Growing Deeper with John 6:16-24)
It’s one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles. But walking on water wasn’t a party trick. We can learn from both the disciples’ uncertainty and Jesus’ sovereignty. The powerful presence of Jesus is greater than the powerful presence of fear. This episode is an in-depth look at John 6:16-24.
The key to weathering a storm [Sermon]
Storms happen. And lately, it seems that they keep getting windier. Well, the key to weathering a storm is who you’re weathering it with. That’s what I explore in this sermon on John 5:30-47.
Which Judge would you rather have? [Sermon]
People balk at having a Judge. But we do. Would you rather have one Judge who is for you, or a hundred judges who are against you? That’s what this sermon on John 5:19-29 explores, along with the question about whether we can trust that the Gospels accurately preserve Jesus’ words.
‘How do we know he said that?’, and the liberating good news of Judge Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 5:19-29)
Can we have confidence that Jesus said what the Bible says he said? In this podcast I explore that question and also dive into John 5:19-29 and Jesus’ role as Judge (and why that is good, liberating news).
The invalid, the Sabbath, and what it means that God is always working (Growing Deeper with John 5:1-18)
This podcast is a Bible study on John 5:1-18. An invalid is healed, Sabbath-police get angry, Jesus’ words invite both fury and joy. The fact that he does God’s work no matter what might be a soul-refreshing word you need to hear in this weary chapter.
Still Lovable [Sermon]
Mistakes pile up. So do sins, failures and misplaced priorities that have hurt you and others, and have gone against God. But guess what? You are still lovable. Jesus died for you knowing you. That’s what this Good Friday sermon explores on John 19.
Jesus’ healing power (even from a distance) and what that tells us about the future and hope (Growing Deeper with John 4:43-54)
When Jesus heals a boy from about 27 kms away, not only does he change his life (and his family’s life), but he teaches us something about what to expect in the future as God’s people. This episode is a Bible study on John 4:43-54.
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