Aug 3, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Crying from the depths to God. When has your soul felt deep anguish? When have you felt the depth of loneliness, of pain that feels beyond repair? This Psalm invites us to hold the deep crying we experience in life. We can in those moments have a language for our...
Jul 29, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
David has done wrong and Nathan comes to him to call him to account. Nathan shares a story and David’s anger burns deeply. When confronted with the reality that David is the one for whom the anger he holds burns, a realisation comes. David must bear the...
Jul 19, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
We left last week with questions like ‘Are we there yet?’ in the new heaven and earth or are we the agents to that end? Psalm 14 makes it clear that we are on the road, but not there yet. WE know the truth of Psalm 14, evil persists. The person presented here is most...
Jul 13, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
This Psalm is an assurance of the sure realisation of God’s promises. Most people have expectations, some great, some less so. Whatever expectations we may have, they are sometimes a fire within us and sometimes a basis of despair. I do have problems with David, King...
Jul 5, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
A processional Psalm of David, pilgrims are in procession ‘with the King of Glory’ from the provinces of his realm to the central height and the city at the summit. Possibly written for a ceremonial occasion, an enthronement event, or the delivery of the Holy Ark to...
Jun 29, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Zion, Jerusalem, the City of God or is it that strife ridden, seat of conflict, spot on the planet which has caused more trouble than any other? Psalm 48 probably emerged in an atmosphere of elation after a great deliverance. We cannot know the story of that event but...
Jun 22, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Paul has set out to collect money to help poor Christians in Jerusalem. He hopes this will also build closer fellowship and unity across diverse and dispersed congregations. There are several strands to Paul’s appeal. He calls on the unresponsive Corinthian churches...
Jun 16, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Combining part of last week’s with this week’s lectionary reading from Corinthians, Paul links a powerful statement of mission with a blunt recognition of the costs and dangers involved. Why should any reasonable person voluntarily endure the catalogue of hardships ...
Jun 8, 2021 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
In Mark 4, Jesus begins his teaching ministry. He explains why he will use only parables for most people, but explain their meanings to the disciples, “ to whom has been given the secret (or mystery) of the kingdom of heaven.” (4:12) In 4:3-21 seeds are scattered,...
