Thoughts
9 March 2017

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

This was quite a common greeting in days gone by many people they would say something like this, “Hi John what do you know” I guess basically asking how are you, but I want to ask you this question today WHAT DO YOU KNOW?   I happened to say yesterday in my sermon which included my testimony of becoming a Christian as a 10 year […]

Thoughts
26 February 2017

PEARLS FROM PETER (4)We now turn our attention to the second half of 1 Peter 2 from verse 11. Peter describes Believers so well when he calls us SOJOURNERS that is a person who is only residing temporarily in a place. The earth is not our home, we are just passing through, our citizenship is now in heaven (Phil.3:20). He also describes us as PILGRIMS our thoughts and actions are primarily about our eternal destiny. Yet, simultaneously we should improve ourselves as far as our career is concerned, choosing a wife (or husband) and becoming a parent but our primary goal is to do everything we can to prepare ourselves for our eternal destiny in heaven. Peter continues to major on character and lifestyle and highlights the important area of submission. In every area of our life God has placed authorities over our lives, Whether as children in the home, in our marriage, in the workplace, in our local church, and most importantly our learning to constantly submit to the Lord (Rom.12:1) Lack of submission and its consequences which can produce rebellion is a major cause of struggles in the life of a Believer. We must recognise that God has placed these authorities over us, and we MUST submit to them as if we are submitting to the Lord. The only time we should reject an authority’s request over us is if they want us to do something that is contrary to the Word of God. The Apostles were told NOT to preach about Jesus, there response was “it is better to obey God than man”. Peter again indicates that we can expect suffering sometimes unjustly, but His grace is sufficient for us in every situation, so that we learn patience, and we can follow Christ’s example. Jesus was that perfect example He could have resisted, but did not open His mouth, may the Lord help to do the same. I do pray these simple blogs will be a blessing to you. Thank you Peter for your sound practical teaching on how we should live.

Thoughts
19 February 2017

PEARLS FROM PETER (3)

  We now turn to chapter two which again is so full of wonderful truth and teaching. Peter again highlights the importance of holy living, and encourages us to make an act of our will and lay aside those practices that were so often part of our lives before we came to Christ, like deceit (Jer.17:9) hypocrisy envy and evil speaking. Like a new born […]

Thoughts
14 February 2017

PEARLS FROM PETER (1)

I guess like most if not all Christians, I love the writings of the Apostle Paul, his Theological training and the result of his conversion to Christ, the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit working in his life and ministry produced half of the New Testament and laid the foundation for the Early Church. Mentally I must confess to my shame I have often seen […]

Thoughts
13 February 2017

THE GRACE OF GOD

  Do you ever ask yourself the question “Where would I be today but for the grace of God”? We know in simple terms the grace of God is the unmerited favour and mercy of God, BUT IT IS SO MUCH MORE. John Piper the excellent U.S. Baptist Pastor/Teacher defines grace this way.   GRACE IS NOT JUST LENIENCY WHEN WE SIN, GRACE IS THE […]