Encounter the Truth

Paul models for us a godly sincerity in his dealings with the Corinthians. But his model is grounded in gospel reality: all God’s promises find their “yes” and their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. God keeps his word, and so should his servants.

Paul models for us a godly sincerity in his dealings with the Corinthians. But his model is grounded in gospel reality: all God’s promises find their “yes” and their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. God keeps his word, and so should his servants.

Paul has experienced comfort from God himself in the midst of affliction—and he knows that this has happened so that he might be a comfort to others. God’s servants will face difficulty, but we know that God will minister His grace to us that we might be a blessing to others.

Paul has experienced comfort from God himself in the midst of affliction—and he knows that this has happened so that he might be a comfort to others. God’s servants will face difficulty, but we know that God will minister His grace to us that we might be a blessing to others.

It would be nice to imagine that being a Christian would mean we never encountered conflict any more—conflict with one another, conflict within the church. But sadly, the sinful nature within each one of us is such that we fail relationally and need to deal with the fallout. What do we do when others sin against us? Jesus says to pursue reconciliation and extend forgiveness. These are vital lessons for each of us to learn

It would be nice to imagine that being a Christian would mean we never encountered conflict any more—conflict with one another, conflict within the church. But sadly, the sinful nature within each one of us is such that we fail relationally and need to deal with the fallout. What do we do when others sin against us? Jesus says to pursue reconciliation and extend forgiveness. These are vital lessons for each of us to learn.

The values of the kingdom of Jesus Christ are upside down and backwards when compared to the values of this world. Against the backdrop of a world where might is right—where we press our cause and make our case—Jesus commends to us the value of childlike humility. He calls each of us to have that childlike humility as we approach him, as we approach the ugly reality of temptation and sin, and as we approach one another.

The values of the kingdom of Jesus Christ are upside down and backwards when compared to the values of this world. Against the backdrop of a world where might is right—where we press our cause and make our case—Jesus commends to us the value of childlike humility. He calls each of us to have that childlike humility as we approach him, as we approach the ugly reality of temptation and sin, and as we approach one another.

Jesus is the Son of God—the divine prince of heaven. Matthew makes that so clear to us on the Mount of Transfiguration. As we read on in Matthew, what is so very striking is the way in which Jesus exercises his heavenly authority and power. We see him showing mercy to the suffering, submitting himself to the cross as he prepares to go to Jerusalem, and in his interactions, taking care to avoid offense. Jesus shows us a unique kind of authority here—a humble authority. He will use his power to save us—and he will show us what it looks like to follow this humble King.

Jesus is the Son of God—the divine prince of heaven. Matthew makes that so clear to us on the Mount of Transfiguration. As we read on in Matthew, what is so very striking is the way in which Jesus exercises his heavenly authority and power. We see him showing mercy to the suffering, submitting himself to the cross as he prepares to go to Jerusalem, and in his interactions, taking care to avoid offense. Jesus shows us a unique kind of authority here—a humble authority. He will use his power to save us—and he will show us what it looks like to follow this humble King.

It’s always exciting to take a backstage tour in a grand venue—to see where the stars prepare—perhaps to see them behind the scenes and to know them as they really are. On the Mount of Transfiguration, we are given a backstage pass to see a glimpse of Jesus in his heavenly splendour and to hear the voice of the Father above. Seeing Jesus in this light, we learn to listen all the more closely to his word, and to trust him entirely as the glorious Son of heaven.

It’s always exciting to take a backstage tour in a grand venue—to see where the stars prepare—perhaps to see them behind the scenes and to know them as they really are. On the Mount of Transfiguration, we are given a backstage pass to see a glimpse of Jesus in his heavenly splendour and to hear the voice of the Father above. Seeing Jesus in this light, we learn to listen all the more closely to his word, and to trust him entirely as the glorious Son of heaven.

We are so naturally worldly in our thinking, both about Jesus and his mission, and about ourselves and our discipleship. While we would like to imagine that being a Christian will lead to worldly glory and comfort, Jesus calls us to see the centrality of the cross to his mission – and to understand the call of discipleship, to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him.

We are so naturally worldly in our thinking, both about Jesus and his mission, and about ourselves and our discipleship. While we would like to imagine that being a Christian will lead to worldly glory and comfort, Jesus calls us to see the centrality of the cross to his mission – and to understand the call of discipleship, to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him.

It is not possible to engage with Jesus Christ and to make no response to him. Some will respond with skepticism; some will respond with questions, but a desire to know more; others will see him for who he is, and confess that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God. How will you respond to him?

It is not possible to engage with Jesus Christ and to make no response to him. Some will respond with skepticism; some will respond with questions, but a desire to know more; others will see him for who he is, and confess that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God. How will you respond to him?

In the ministry of Jesus in the gospels, we see the new creation breaking into the old in a moment of miraculous wonder. The individual healings and the great feeding miracles point us to the ultimate outworking of the redeeming work of Jesus at the cross: all things will be made new. The sick will be restored in resurrection bodies; the hungry will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Have we come to Jesus to receive a place in this new creation? Are we delighting in the prospect of joining him there?

In the ministry of Jesus in the gospels, we see the new creation breaking into the old in a moment of miraculous wonder. The individual healings and the great feeding miracles point us to the ultimate outworking of the redeeming work of Jesus at the cross: all things will be made new. The sick will be restored in resurrection bodies; the hungry will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Have we come to Jesus to receive a place in this new creation? Are we delighting in the prospect of joining him there?

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

Neither the raging sea nor the incurable disease has any power when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who walks on water and speaks peace to the fearful. He is the One whose touch brings healing from even the cruellest disease. And as we come to him with our hearts diseased by sin and our spirits oppressed by fear, he has power today to bring healing and wholeness.

Neither the raging sea nor the incurable disease has any power when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who walks on water and speaks peace to the fearful. He is the One whose touch brings healing from even the cruellest disease. And as we come to him with our hearts diseased by sin and our spirits oppressed by fear, he has power today to bring healing and wholeness.

When we come to Jesus, he satisfies the deepest needs and longings of our soul. Here in these verses, Jesus has compassion on a needy crowd and provides for them from heaven. We see his heart of kindness, and his power to provide. His heart is the same today, and his power undiminished.

When we come to Jesus, he satisfies the deepest needs and longings of our soul. Here in these verses, Jesus has compassion on a needy crowd and provides for them from heaven. We see his heart of kindness, and his power to provide. His heart is the same today, and his power undiminished.

One of the great surprises of the ministry of Jesus is the way in which people took offense at his gracious teaching. Here in these verses we see Jesus rejected, and John the Baptist beheaded. So we should not be surprised if the world around us rejects the good news of Jesus Christ.

One of the great surprises of the ministry of Jesus is the way in which people took offense at his gracious teaching. Here in these verses we see Jesus rejected, and John the Baptist beheaded. So we should not be surprised if the world around us rejects the good news of Jesus Christ.

God’s “righteousness” is his character of total rightness, integrity, goodness and truth—and his “justice” is his expression of that character in his governance of the universe. And the two ideas, although distinct, belong together in the Bible’s portrait of God.

God’s “righteousness” is his character of total rightness, integrity, goodness and truth—and his “justice” is his expression of that character in his governance of the universe. And the two ideas, although distinct, belong together in the Bible’s portrait of God.

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

What does it look like to live as those who represent Jesus Christ in the world? If we are his people, then we must learn to pray and walk and speak faithfully in his name, commending him and his gospel to the world in our everyday interactions.

What does it look like to live as those who represent Jesus Christ in the world? If we are his people, then we must learn to pray and walk and speak faithfully in his name, commending him and his gospel to the world in our everyday interactions.

God is worthy of all praise because he has blessed us so richly, and without our merit. He has purposed to include us in Christ—even as he plans to bring all things in the universe under the headship of Christ—all for the praise of his glorious grace.

God is worthy of all praise because he has blessed us so richly, and without our merit. He has purposed to include us in Christ—even as he plans to bring all things in the universe under the headship of Christ—all for the praise of his glorious grace.

The Lord causes us to become steadfast and complete when he brings us through trial—and he makes us wise as we come to him in faith. Trust him in times of trial—call out to him for the wisdom you will need to navigate those times of trial with a godly perspective.

The Lord causes us to become steadfast and complete when he brings us through trial—and he makes us wise as we come to him in faith. Trust him in times of trial—call out to him for the wisdom you will need to navigate those times of trial with a godly perspective.

Here is a rebuke for the believer who has not made appropriate progress in the faith. And here is a warning that is designed to keep us close to Jesus—and to unsettle any who may not be truly converted. But the comfort is that true believers are safe in Christ because God’s promise and saving action in Jesus is our sure hope, an anchor for the soul.

Here is a rebuke for the believer who has not made appropriate progress in the faith. And here is a warning that is designed to keep us close to Jesus—and to unsettle any who may not be truly converted. But the comfort is that true believers are safe in Christ because God’s promise and saving action in Jesus is our sure hope, an anchor for the soul.

The church at Crete faces challenges on every side. Crete is a toxic culture, and there is false teaching threatening the church. This is why a godly eldership is needed to protect the church from error. And this is why Paul is so concerned that the believers will live out their faith in integrity. The culture will call them to compromise at every turn. How very contemporary all of this sounds!

The church at Crete faces challenges on every side. Crete is a toxic culture, and there is false teaching threatening the church. This is why a godly eldership is needed to protect the church from error. And this is why Paul is so concerned that the believers will live out their faith in integrity. The culture will call them to compromise at every turn. How very contemporary all of this sounds!

Abram and Sarai knew the promise of God, but grew impatient with God’s timeline, not seeing how the promise could be fulfilled. They took matters into their own hands to further God’s agenda—and the results were disastrous. In this messy incident, we see the cost of sinful self-reliance and the abundant grace of God.

Abram and Sarai knew the promise of God, but grew impatient with God’s timeline, not seeing how the promise could be fulfilled. They took matters into their own hands to further God’s agenda—and the results were disastrous. In this messy incident, we see the cost of sinful self-reliance and the abundant grace of God.

David knows that the Lord is committed to protecting those of his covenant community; he knows that God is a God of faithfulness to his people; a God of mercy to those who call on him. If we are sensible and wise people, we will want to join David and cry out to the Lord as he cries out, "Keep me safe, O God."

David knows that the Lord is committed to protecting those of his covenant community; he knows that God is a God of faithfulness to his people; a God of mercy to those who call on him. If we are sensible and wise people, we will want to join David and cry out to the Lord as he cries out, "Keep me safe, O God."

Life in this world is hard, and opposition is real. But the Christian believer has a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These trials may test our faith, but real faith will be proved genuine in trial. We who love Jesus have joy in the prospect of his coming. And this joy and this hope have power to sustain us in days of darkness.

Life in this world is hard, and opposition is real. But the Christian believer has a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These trials may test our faith, but real faith will be proved genuine in trial. We who love Jesus have joy in the prospect of his coming. And this joy and this hope have power to sustain us in days of darkness.

Moses—and other heroes of the faith—were willing to endure hardship because they trusted the unseen God. Does our faith equip us to do the same? Hebrews says that the world was not worthy of these men and women. Could the same be said of us as we live by faith today?

Moses—and other heroes of the faith—were willing to endure hardship because they trusted the unseen God. Does our faith equip us to do the same? Hebrews says that the world was not worthy of these men and women. Could the same be said of us as we live by faith today?

If there is a distinction between grace and mercy—it is that God’s mercy speaks of his goodness to us in our misery and distress when we cannot save ourselves, while his grace speaks of his goodness to us in our guilt when we deserve only his punishment. In mercy God spares us destruction—and in grace he forgives us and makes his children, lavishing his kindness upon us.

If there is a distinction between grace and mercy—it is that God’s mercy speaks of his goodness to us in our misery and distress when we cannot save ourselves, while his grace speaks of his goodness to us in our guilt when we deserve only his punishment. In mercy God spares us destruction—and in grace he forgives us and makes his children, lavishing his kindness upon us.