Feb 1, 2025 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Insiders and outsiders. Part of the contrast and reversals that characterise the whole of Luke. From one moment to the next Jesus goes from being the insider, a home-grown hero, to an outsider who condemns his own hometown. It often feels as if we need to go away on...
Jan 21, 2025 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
This week we hear how Jesus told his friends and neighbors who he really was. In the Gospel of Luke this story happens right at the beginning of Jesus’ gown-up ministry, before he had any disciples following him. All alone, Jesus got baptized by John. All alone, Jesus...
Jan 14, 2025 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Paul reminds us of the treasury of gifts that has been given to each one of us. These gifts are not merely to be used for ourselves. They are the means, the ‘talents’, we have been given, through which we make our unique contribution to our Christian community and to...
Jan 3, 2025 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
We want to praise comfortable images of God. We want to be held warm in the palm of God’s hand. We want the nurturing of God as mother or caring father. We would prefer the singing, shouting and dancing of Jeremiah. We don’t want uncomfortable images for God. We don’t...
Dec 18, 2024 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Hope isn’t found in what we have or what we lack. Hope is born in the most unexpected places. On that first Christmas night, hope took the form of a baby. Jesus, the Son of God, was born not in a palace but in a stable—God entering our world in humility and...
Dec 11, 2024 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
We can read it slowly, politely but to get the point across, these verses need to be in a shout, a scream, a firehose-level tirade that matches John the Baptist’s message: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of...
Dec 4, 2024 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
God of tender mercy, we wait for your morning light from heaven to break upon us. Come Lord Jesus come, Give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Guide us to the path of peace. Reverend Dr Helen Richmond & Nell Potter Act for Peace...
Nov 27, 2024 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Come, thou long expected Jesus Today is the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the lectionary year of Luke. Ironically, rather than our journey into Luke starting at the very beginning (which, as Julie Andrews will tell you, is a very good place...
Nov 21, 2024 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the liturgical year, known as ‘Christ the King’ Sunday. The liturgical year begins with Advent, as we anticipate the coming of the King, moving through the year with celebration of his life, works and salvation; and solemn...
