'John' Tagged Posts

I have thoroughly enjoyed our journey through John’s gospel. Today we will conclude our time in this gospel as we look at John 10 where Jesus proclaims that He is the Good Shepherd, and not only this, but also the Gate for the sheep. I have no idea what you have learned over the past few months. But for me, well I have been reminded and challenged of the great blessing we have in knowing Jesus personally and being in Him. I have marveled again and…

Today we celebrate Father’s Day and remember the importance of being fathers. It is not easy to be a godly father in this present climate of greed and secularism. It is hard to be different to the world in being a parent that brings honour and glory to God. But this is exactly what fathers must do. They are given the amazing task of raising up their children in the ways of the Lord. This is a tough call but it is one that…

As we continue our journey through the gospel of John it is hard not to notice a change in Jesus. He is becoming more forthright in how He speaks to the Jews. I guess as you think about it He had to do so. Despite performing many amazing miracles and despite His powerful teaching the people were not convinced of who He said He was. His testimony was considered invalid and not trustworthy. The people disputed His claims. Why was this? What prevented them…

We are at a very interesting time in our short history as a nation. In many ways we are now at a major crossroad where our nation is on the brink of walking away from our Christian heritage and all that it has done to define our nation. The critics say Christianity is outdated and is now holding us back in our pursuit to become a truly secular nation. They say that there is no place for God, or the teaching of the Bible, as this…

Recently I sat with someone over coffee who shared with me that they were over going to church. The reason she gave was that the church was too narrow in their beliefs and unloving toward those who were different. She believed that Jesus would not turn anyone away and that He would embrace all people. In one way she is right. Jesus does embrace people regardless of their background or sin. As Paul reminds us in Romans 5: 8, “But…

It has been quite a week for me as a pastor. It is hard seeing people going through difficulties, feeling pain and struggling with some of the tough issues of life. Yet I feel greatly blessed to walk with people through these times. I am so privileged to be part of a church family who cares for one another. And I have witnessed this once again as I see people going the extra mile to help those who are going…

Having been in Africa recently really brings alive the Scriptures for me. Nothing much has changed over the centuries in some rural parts of Africa. Clothing may have changed as well as some forms of transport. One of the biggest changes is that people have mobile telephones even in remote rural areas. It is very cheap to have one of these phones. But farming practices are still the same as they have been for millennia! So when we come to…

I remember as a child watching a silk worm slowly but surely be transformed into a beautiful butterfly. It was an amazing sight! It was hard to believe that such a thing could occur. As I reflect on the night that Nicodemus came under the cover of darkness to interrogate Jesus, I am reminded of the amazing transformation of the silk worm to the butterfly. I know this may sound strange as you read this account, yet Jesus is teaching…

It is such a joy being a pastor witnessing members of the church family serving the Lord faithfully. It is particularly joyful when you see people stepping out in faith for the glory of the Lord. I witnessed this last Tuesday as our Holiday Kid’s Club Team commenced this year’s event. Serving the Lord is indeed a great honour and privilege and as we work as a team it is something very special. The study of God’s word prepares us for service. We come…

Thank you to the many people who attended our International Congregation Retreat last weekend. It certainly was a time of encouragement as we met together for worship, teaching, prayer and fellowship. It was a joy seeing our little church family coming to know one another a little more and in the process developing more as a team. It takes a team to fulfil the commission the Lord has given us. We are certainly blessed in our church family to have people who are gifted…