Luke 9:10-17 — In this text we have what is probably Jesus’ most famous miracle, the feeding of the 5,000. It is a story many of heard for the first time as little children and we know it well, but have you ever considered the context? Have you thought about what Jesus was doing in…
Luke 9:7-9 — “Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed…” As reports about Jesus filtered into Herod’s court, speculation swirled as to the identity of this miracle-working teacher. There were those who believed it was John the Baptist risen from the dead and eventually this is what…
Colossians 4:15-18 — In this, our final study in the Book of Colossians, we consider the instructions Paul gave concerning the letter and about another letter that he’d sent to another church. We discover that from very early on, an apostolic letter to one church was seen as having relevance to other churches and this…
Luke 9:1-6 — “Take nothing for your journey…” In this familiar story we see Jesus sending His twelve disciples into the towns and villages of Galilee to preach the kingdom of God. Today we might say that Jesus sent them on a ‘mission trip’, but curiously, He told them not to pack anything. At first glance this…
Colossians 4:12-14 — In these verses the Apostle Paul passes on greetings to the church from three men who were with him at Rome – Epaphras, Luke and Demas. Epaphras was the pastor of the church at Colossae and as well as passing on a greeting, Paul had some wonderful things to say about this…
Mark 16:1-8, Matthew 28:11-15 — Many people believe that a man called Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago, but many deny that He rose again. There are even people who identify as Christians who deny the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus. So did it actually happen? How important is the…
Luke 8:40-48 — “A woman having an issue of blood twelve years…came behind [Jesus], and touched the border of his garment.” This story at the end of Luke chapter 8 is quite familiar, but do we know what life was really like for this sick woman? Do we understand why she tried to secretly touch Jesus’ clothes?…
Judges 10 — “…I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” (vs.13-14) The Children of Israel were again guilty of idolatry. They rejected the LORD and went after the gods of many nations – some of the very nations…
Acts 9:26-27 — “They were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles…” When Saul returned to Jerusalem as a Christian and wanted to join the church, the disciples were understandably afraid and suspicious. This was the man who only three years earlier…
Luke 8:40-56 — “While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead…” These are words no parent ever wants to hear. These are words that terrify mothers and fathers when their anxious imaginations take a dark turn. The worst thing that could happen to Jairus…