Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 2

Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.

This morning Josh is sharing with us, you can watch his video above.

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Yesterday as we read 2 Corinthians 1 it was great to be reminded by Leslie of the comfort that we find in following Jesus. In todays passage we see that God not only wants to bring comfort into times of suffering but also wants to bring forgiveness.

In verse 7 Paul asks those in the church in Corinth to choose to forgive one who has sinned against them ‘so that he will not be overcome by excessive sorrow’.

As Christians we know that we too are in need of forgiveness, that we have sinned and fallen short. In this season, many of us are in a heightened emotional state, with very little outlet for those emotions! That often leads to actions, whether done by us or to us, which require forgiveness! The only way that we know as Christians to stop ourselves slipping into bitterness is to remind ourselves of forgiveness that we received through Christ.

Our ability to forgive today doesn’t come from our own personal strength of will, but instead from reflecting towards others the forgiveness we have ourselves received.

This is not just crucial for our own personal relationships, but also for us as a church! As a church community we are a group of people who are all sinners, and all need forgiveness! In verse 8 we are reminded that we are to welcome and to forgive those amongst us who are stumbling and faltering. But the passage also reminds us that we are to be honest when we stumble, to confess, and to seek forgiveness not just from God but from our fellow church family members too.

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Further study

In verse 14 of chapter 2 Paul describes his own life as being like captives in a “triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.'“ In the blog below Justin Taylor attempts to shed some light on this somewhat confusing image.

Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 1

Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.

This morning Leslie is sharing with us, you can watch her video above, and read some of her thoughts on the passage below.

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In 1 Corinthians we were challenged to align every area of our life to the gospel.  Thus, it is fitting that in the beginning of his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul talks about affliction.  As followers of Christ living gospel-centered lives, we will face hardship and trials.  But there is great encouragement to be found in the opening verses of 2 Corinthians 1.

3“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts s in all our affliction…”

God is the source of all mercy and comfort and he is with us.  God will not allow suffering where he will not also provide is comfort. 

4“so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

God comforts us so we can comfort others.  We are meant to live in community with one another.  We share our trials and hardships, and then we reciprocate the comfort we have received from God.

5“For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”

Our suffering is the result of choosing to follow Christ.  Yet where there is great suffering, there is also great comfort.  

6“If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort…”

Paul did not hesitate to suffer for the sake of others.  Paul’s purpose was always to strengthen other believers.  Suffering is never wasted.

8“we were utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself…. 9but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God…”

Once again, we see Paul’s full confidence in God.  God who raises the dead.  God who will deliver us.

Take-away: Drawing strength from these truths, where do I need to confidently choose the way of Christ, even if it might involve suffering?

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Further Study

If you are looking to go deeper into your study of 2 Corinthians during this time we’ll be recommending resources to help you do so.

This morning as we start the book I’d like to point you in a direction of a Podcast called ‘How to Teach the Bible’, the episode on 2 Corinthians is found by following the link below. George Guthrie, a college professor and Christian author, takes us through some of the more complex concepts in the book of 2 Corinthians.

If you have been going through a season of suffering recently and you are reading the words of 1 Corinthians 1 this morning and still can’t fully grasp why God has led you to the situation that you’re in now, then you may find the below article helpful, as John Piper attempts to answer the question - Why Doesn’t God Fully Explain my Pain?

Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians - Intro

When I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

This is one of the key verses in 2 Corinthians, and is one of the reasons I'm really glad we're going to be reading it together as a church during this time. Because the book helps to remind us that God has a completely different view on how the world works than we do! And it's great to be reminded of that at the moment!

The world will tell us that the path to happiness and security is found within us. True satisfaction comes from us having power and authority, us looking good, us having our needs met. Paul in 2 Corinthians points us to the cross, which shows that actually serving others, even at our own expense, is the key to true satisfaction, that in our weakness, we discover the power of God.

That's something that I think we all need daily reminders of at the moment. I know I do! It seems that every day I see something on the news, or hear a story from a friend or relative, or just observe the mundane nature of aspects of my life at the moment, and it all serves to remind me of the fact that life really isn't about me or about my ability or strength.

But God says this -

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

If you want to discover more of God's power, or simply remind yourself of who is in control then join us, starting tomorrow! As we read 2 Corinthians together as a church, make sure you subscribe to the YouTube channel, and visit redeemerlondon.org/blog to see all of the daily resources we'll be producing to help you as we read together! Bless you, and see you tomorrow!

Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians - Why do we read the bible?

As Christians, whatever stage we’re at in our journey, one thing that is key to maintaining forward progress is our own personal relationship with God. When it comes down to it, no matter our circumstances, no matter our church environment, or our age, or our relationship with other Christians - if we don’t spend any time just us and God, it is incredibly difficult (I might even say impossible) to continue to grow in our relationship with him and be made more like Jesus.

One way in which we do this is by intentionally carving out time every day to read his word in the Bible. We believe that ‘All scripture is God-breathed’, and that God planned that it would not only equip and serve those for whom it was originally written, but that it would also equip and teach us! You and me! Today! When we spend time reading God’s word every day, and allowing him to speak to us, it is the equivalent of arming ourself with a sword with which we face the battle that is the rest of life (Ephesians 6:17).

But here’s the thing, it’s not always easy to do that! It seems crazy that we can so firmly believe that the best thing for us to be doing is to be spending personal time with our heavenly father (which I would hope most of us do), and yet be so bad at prioritising it! I am not throwing stones here, I am exactly the same, but one thing that has helped me over the past year to better prioritise reading God’s word, is the Community Bible Reading (CBR) Journal.

The CBR Journal has just one aim, and that is to get people reading scripture, and it does just that, by encouraging people to do 3 very simple things.

1. Read 1 chapter of the Bible every day (Either New or Old Testament, if you want you can read both!)

2. Pray. Being led by the scripture you have just read, pray following the ACTS (Adoration - Confession - Thanksgiving - Supplication) model. This means focusing on the passage you’ve just read, and identifying what it told you about God (Adoration), in what ways it convicted you about your own life (Confession), how it encouraged you to give thanks to Jesus (Thanksgiving), and what it stirred you to ask of God (Supplication). You may also want to write these sections down to help you to visualise the 4 sections.

3. Share. The community aspect of the journal involves discussing with a small group of friends the key point that you felt was most obvious to you when reading the passage.

That’s it. Simple right?

Well I’ve got good news for you, starting next Tuesday (the 28th of April) we will be encouraging everyone at Redeemer to do the CBR together! Don’t worry, you won’t need the physical journal, the reading plan is online at thecbrjournal.com. But in reality, you probably won’t need that either, as our plan is fairly simple! We are going to read a chapter of 2 Corinthians together, every week day, starting with Chapter 1 on the 28th of April, and finishing with Chapter 13 on the 14th of May.

Every day we’ll be releasing videos on our social media pages at 9am each weekday morning, with members of the Redeemer family detailing their takeaways from the passage. We’ll also be publishing daily blogs which focus on the day’s reading, and feature other recommended resources to help you study the passage in greater detail if you want to. So keep your eyes peeled!

What do I need to do?

1. Get in touch with a small group of Christian friends, and ask if they want to follow the CBR plan with you over the next few weeks.

2. Figure out the time of day that works best for you to read the bible (the morning is my preferred time), and commit to reading one chapter of 2 Corinthians at that time every day.

3. Make sure you are subscribed to our Youtube channel, following us on instagram, and keeping an eye on this blog, so that you don’t miss any of the videos & other resources we’re releasing to help you over the next few weeks.

4. Be expectant! We believe that as we read the bible and cultivate a deeper and closer personal relationship with God, he will lead us both as individuals and as a church, into new and exciting adventures with him!

I so look forward to reading the bible alongside all of you, and seeing what seeds God wants to plant and water in us, and the fruit he wants to bring out in all of our lives!

Spring and Covid-19

‘Oh to be in England, now that April’s there!’ so wished the famous poet… and I agree wholeheartedly!

Spring has always been my favourite season in the UK – things springing to life everywhere you look - it always reminds me of God’s gift of life to us – ‘once we were dead, but now we are alive!’ Hallelujah!

I sit at my window and gaze at the bushes opposite me, their new shoots are bright red, reminding me of the blood of Jesus which brings new life.  The cherry tree opposite my bedroom window – it has actually begun to flower and is almost full of pink blossom.  Oh God, my heart wants to cry out, You are such an amazing God. Your creation boasts of You! And it is but a pale reflection of Your beauty.

But although my heart is full of wonder at God’s creation, I cannot enjoy it as I have been doing, year after year.

This year it’s different!  I am not in it, among it!  I am not standing under the cherry blossom tree and looking up into the sky through its amazing brand-new flowers – in fact I cannot even touch it! 

Why? Because of COVID 19. 

My husband and I are in self-isolation. We gaze out in admiration, but cannot be part of it in the same way. And yet – I am grateful for this visible sign that there is new life in Christ, that God is still the same, He is on the throne and that ‘there is a season (time) for everything!’. Things may change and we can feel that we are on shifting sands, but at the same time, the trees bloom, the daffodils appear, the rose bushes begin to bud… God is on the throne of the universe and new life continues as before!

And then, of course, come the difficult moments, the temptation to forget all this, as we hear of the rising rate of deaths, in the UK and worldwide. Of friends and families of our friends who are fighting for their lives; as we watch the news; read the many messages on social media and listen to the videos of those who are experiencing the full horror of this disease. 

As we hear non-believing friends ask ‘where is your God in all of this?  Why does He allow this?’

And what can we say?  We don’t have the definite answers to these questions, only suggestions. 

But we have a choice – either to allow the enemy to bring us down and feel hopeless, helpless. Or to turn to the truth of God’s word that God is a good Father and He will never let go of us, especially in the tough times. We can consciously decide to focus on the manifestation of His glory before our very eyes! Yes, it is a tough road to have to travel, but we are on it, and God invites us to focus on Him and His beauty around us, rather than on the circumstances surrounding us!

Yes, I would prefer to stroll through the gardens outside, to see the children playing as they always do, to smell the new roses, admire the apple and cherry blossoms from close up. To feel the welcome warmth of the spring sunshine on my face.  But they are there, nevertheless, and the creation constantly points me to the Creator!  Reminding me that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever and that nothing catches Him by surprise!

Written by Adele Dabrowski

#RedeemerRecommends - Andrew Haslam's latest blog

This blog has featured the talents of many members of the Redeemer family over the last few weeks, for today’s #RedeemerRecommends we travel a little further afield (though only a few miles across London). Andrew Haslam is the leader of Grace Church, London, another church in the Advance group of churches of which we are part. He is a fantastic writer and theologian, and on Good Friday he published a blog highlighting the fear which is gripping society during this time, and how we as Christians look at fear differently to others. We hope you enjoy reading it, and that you continue to stay safe during this time.

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Coronavirus, faith, and the fear of death

Many are questioning religious faith right now. I understand this. The shock of watching the death toll rise each day as the world is battered by this invisible enemy is an example of something very evil in this world. And the question of how God can allow evil to exist is, perhaps, the greatest obstacle to faith in the modern age. 

But, with all respect to those asking such questions, to pose the problem in this way is to miss the entire point of the Christian faith.

Am I a parent? Am I a teacher? Do I need to be Superman?

It is a challenging and confusing time for all of us, but especially for parents! Below we hear from a few parents at Redeemer about the experience of raising kids in this season, but first, some tips on homeschooling…

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Home Schooling!

One of the biggest challenges faced by many families since the lockdown, is the task of working from home whilst also home schooling their children!

First a massive shout out and well done to the schools and teachers for the outstanding job that they do day after day!

But now for some tips. Don’t worry, this blog will be brief - as you are busy!

Tips from a home schooling parent:

1. Get up before your children wake up. Give yourself plenty of time to get your own mind, body and spirit ready for the day.

2. Put your child's well being first. Character development is way more important than academic achievement. Some days it's best to throw the workbook out the window (or walk away from the screen).

3. Read aloud to your children (no matter how old they are). Good books will take you on great family adventures even in quarantine!

BONUS TIP: Above all, give lots of grace - especially to yourself.

Podcasts

There are a massive selection of podcasts that you can listen to….

Follow the link below to find some great podcasts about the Charlotte Mason philosophy followed by the parent who gave the tips above!

More ideas

The following two websites are also packed full of home schooling ideas!

Community

Follow the link below to find a Facebook group set up by a veteran of home schooling

Parenting through Covid-19

As well as home schooling, there is still the permanent 24/7 job of being a parent to deal with too! Below are some thoughts and experiences from parents at Redeemer, we hope they encourage and reassure you during this trying time as parents.

The human theme park ride 

We’ve been stuck in for 5 weeks, ‘someone’ in the family getting a cough which put us out before the schools even closed! In some other time and space this would be the perfect little sabbatical,  as you ‘work’ from home, playing board games with the kids and go on bike rides. But in truth it's hard to do that when you're considering the world imploding, seeing corona stats rise, and you morbidly attach yourself to the news, both wanting to look away, but partly being transfixed by the drama. Part of me wants to retire away to the world of netflix and bury my head in the sand, but that just won't do! lIfe goes on, children need us, God wants us to step up, and fight the good fight. 

I can take heart, my kids are, despite the turmoil around us, bonding in a wonderful, beautiful way, spending hours playing together. Don’t get me wrong, we are no ‘vitamin’ ad family and there have been squabbles, plus we picked up thread worm (How did we do that? stuck at home?) but we are trying to find new ways to do life, news things to interest us. I for one have extended my role as the human theme park, setting up a mat I got last year in the garden. I am helping the kids learn to front somersault, and they are using me as a ‘gym horse’ to jump off of. Coupled with this I take them on ‘fake’ theme parks rides as they sit on my lap pretending to go up and down on a roller coaster. Who says we can’t visit thorpe park from your own living room? 

I can't go to a theme park, snakes and ladders or even visit the local playground but we can darn well fling ourselves off each other. (Disclaimer, whilst it’s fun for the kids, you will be shattered!). We all want to look back at this time to see the great things we've achieved. My contribution will be front flips and theme parks rides, and a deep devotion to building connection with the family and God. And a continued faith that this will be a footnote in history very soon! Plus, I can't wait to go for a curry again!

Craft your way to bliss (or into armageddon)

I set out with great intentions, endless amazing websites to educate my kids with, zoos to visit, exercise programmes to follow, theatre shows to watch, audible for kids for free, Disney for a week, social interactions to continue on FaceTime and Zoom.... The world is our oyster.  

Couple with all this the endless craft which my daughter has set her eyes upon! In order to pass another 20 minutes we have panicked, bought card, felt, contact lens solution (for slime - sorry if this item is in shortage!) Normally I will craft away.... But right now...what a mess that I have to spend the day looking at.  Well yes, I’ve realised I need to lose any pride I had in what my house might look like, no-one will be seeing it anyway!  I’ve let go and allowed a build up of toilet rolls and egg cartons in order to allow the kids to make toilet roll pipes stuck to the kitchen cabinets as it is so fun.  

What of the endless websites to keep our life looking outward and moving forward? Very minimal.  Don't get me wrong there are some lovely gestures going on with all the free access but I’m finding it all a bit much, that so much has to go through the screen. I’ve tried to find a balance between a bit of structure and a great deal of relaxing and free play- lots of mess in the house.  The mess however has also brought about some better habits, the kids have to tidy up more now, for years we’d been just tidying up for them and I really don't know why! We are having more meals together as a family, and as I’m not desperate to have the most flavoursome meal at every sit down, we can save a lot of time eating the same meal! 

It’s amazing to see how the kids' imagination is growing, they’ve travelled to many places in the last 5 weeks, my favourite being the beauticians! 

Matt’s never had better pedicured feet!

Thanks to Matt & Sarah Bateman and Leslie Mailloux for their contributions to this blog!

Resurrection Monologues - Thomas

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The fourth is from the perspective of Thomas.

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It had been a week since Passover.  We were still staying behind locked doors.  There were all kinds of rumours and we couldn’t be sure what would happen next.  And the others had me worried.  

We’d all been through a lot.  Two weeks previous it seemed like Jesus was going to overturn Roman rule, it was like he’d been taken off the leash – telling the authorities exactly what we thought of them.

Then - Judas!   I can’t believe he set Jesus up like that -

It happened so fast, one minute we were celebrating Passover – God’s great deliverance of his people - and then within a few short hours our world fell apart.  I thought I was ready to die for him, but we ran - and we left him to face the soldiers alone.  

It was a mockery of a trial.  They couldn’t wait to get rid of him.

Seeing Jesus flogged and nailed to that cross; hearing his cries, seeing his mother break down - we we’re devastated.  I admit I couldn’t hang around, I went off by myself, to get my head straight.

And then the others started going crazy.  First the women and then the guys.  Even Peter, I hadn’t expected him to lose it.  They said the tomb was empty - that they’d seen the Rabbi – but that was impossible, we all saw him die.

Part of me was tempted to believe it, but I told them – unless I saw with my own two eyes, I couldn’t accept it; it was too fantastic.  

I’d seen him – I saw his body – lifeless and beaten.  So, unless I saw the same nail marks, unless I put my hand into his side, where they’d pierced him, I couldn’t believe it.  

They continued to try and convince me, but I wouldn’t have it.  I was such as fool.  

He came.

He stood there – in our locked room - and he looked straight at me.  I was dumbfounded.

And then he had me place my hands on his scars – they were real – just where I saw them pierce him, just where the nails went in – but his flesh was now warm and very much alive.  

What do you think I did?

I exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”  It was true – he wasn’t our Rabbi – he’d shown himself to be our God.

And he stayed.  We spoke with him, peppering him with questions, and he ate with us, he fished with us.  Those were the best days.  

I’m not sure he wanted to go – but in the end he did; he went back to his Father.

So that leaves us to tell our story – to tell his story.  And even though you didn’t get to see him, you can believe it – we are his first-hand witnesses:  

Jesus of Nazareth, teacher, healer - the man who was sentenced to death and who died – he is the Son of God and his Father has raised him to life.

And because he lives, we can start a new forgiven life.  Even fools like me.  Believe me – it’s true.  

Resurrection Monologues - Mary (Mother of Jesus)

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The third is from the perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus.

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O Lord, my Saviour, my spirit rejoices in you, for you....

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Oh, Jesus. This isn't as easy as I thought it would be.  Oh, my son, my child, my beloved child - now my Saviour.  My whole being worships you, and yet… in my heart I still treasure those times when it was just you and me.  Holding you close, hearing your first words, shepherding you as you took your first steps, watching over you, binding your first scrapes - you were sooo adventurous; it was always a challenge keeping you out of your father's workshop.

And now you watch over me.

Son, my heart still aches when I recall your body arched in pain, bleeding.  Your cries still haunt me. It's hard to shake the image of your lifeless body wrapped in cloth and lying - in a tomb.

Forgive me, dear son; I almost lost my mind with grief. I was blinded with my tears, and in my fear I didn't understand.  All I could feel was the sword piecing my very soul, just as old Simeon promised.

And then, when I saw you again, whole, restored....  Oh how I loved to see that smile again, to feel your arms around me once more, to hear your laughter, to draw in your warmth as we shared a simple meal, just like we used to.

But you were taken again so soon.  I know you had to go, but oh, how I missed you – to lose you again. (Deep breath)

But I'll tell your story - so many want to hear my story.  The boys promise to write it down, but I'll still tell. It thrills me every time I tell it, for how can written words capture you, your love, your presence.

Son, you spoke of a gift.  Well, as you probably know, it arrived right on time. You said that if we waited here in Jerusalem, we would be bathed in YOUR Holy Spirit.  

And now I see.

I almost weep with joy when I hear young John and the rest of your friends – your disciples - speaking in your name.  I recognise your voice, you see, I recognise your heart, in their words.

It's -

it's just like you're still here.

Thank you for not leaving your old mum alone.

I'll see you soon, my Jesus. 

Resurrection Monologues - Mary Magdalene

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The second is from the perspective of Mary Magdalene

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‘Why are you crying?’

What a simple question – but oh, how complex the answer.

We had spent so much time with him – we thought we understood.  We thought we knew where this was all going.  How wrong could we be.  

After the devastation of Friday, after the silence of the sabbath, early on the first day - me, Joanna, Mary, Salome and the others had gone to the tomb with the spices.  We’d prepared them not really knowing how we were going to move the stone.  And there it was – the gapping entrance, revealing the empty tomb.

You can imagine our confusion.  We were in tears, and still crying when Peter and the others arrived.  They were no better.  And then it was just me – sitting there trying to piece it all together.

Then the angels were there, seated quite calmly, where Jesus had been laid, and they asked me - 

‘Why are you crying?’

I tried to explain and then in a moment he was there.  He was different, and at first I didn’t recognise him.  He asked me the same infuriating question.

‘Why are you crying?’

And then, as I was still blubbing, trying to tell him – he spoke my name.  

And everything changed.

He told me to go tell the others – but it wasn’t til he showed himself to them too, that they really believed.  I can’t blame them.  Something this wonderful, this miraculous… It’s hard to get your head around.

And he explained it to us - what he’d been telling us over the previous years, it all fell into place.

“The resurrection and the life.”

So, believe me when I tell you – I was there.  

Jesus, our Jesus, is alive.  He is our Lord and God and you can know him for yourself. 

Resurrection Monologues - Simon Peter

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The first is from the perspective of Simon Peter

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Three times!  Three!

I know I’ve been a hot head at times – an act-first, straight-in-the-water, think-later kind of bloke, but I have my good points too.   

I’m strong – I can seem physically imposing I guess and I’m a little older than the others – maybe not as educated as some, but I’ve got a good memory and I’m not shy to tell people the truth, whether they want to hear it or not.

I’ve got a voice – I can hold a crowd and they listen.  I’ve always been one who can make myself heard. 

I’m not afraid to ask the obvious questions and say things plain – sometimes things need to be said out loud and not just assumed.

I’m not afraid to break taboos.  There can be too much talk about tradition and the way things have always been done.  Sometimes things must change.

And I thought I could add ‘reliable’ to that list – ‘loyal’ – a ‘rock’.  

When Jesus called me Rock, when he said that in front of the others, when he said he had a job for me, building his church - well I was humbled, but I could see it.  I saw myself as a leader – someone others could rely upon.

How wrong I was.

Three - times!?!

Three times I was asked – and three times I answered that I never knew the guy.  I lied just to save my own hide. And I ran – trying to out-run my betrayal. 

And later, when he came back – he didn’t just gloss over it, he asked me three times, there by the lake with the others watching - my Lord asked me and I told him.  And I meant it.

He asked me three times – ‘Do you love me?’

And I can tell you what I told him – I love him.  As my brother, as my friend, as my Lord. 

He knows how much I love him.

And with those three questions it was just as if with each ‘Do you love me?’ and with each repeated answer – ‘I love you’ - he undid my shame.

And three time he said to me: ‘Take care of my sheep.’

Three times.  That means something.

So, I’m telling you – not on my own authority; I’m telling you as one who witnesses his death and his resurrection and as a forgiven man, as a man commissioned to speak - I’m telling you confidently: 

God raised Jesus to life, and we are witnesses to that fact – God has made this Jesus who was crucified and died, both Lord and Christ.  And every one of you can be forgiven and can receive the gift of his Holy Spirit. 

Take that from a man who’s been forgiven.

Just as He Said

This Easter Sunday was different to many past Easter Sunday’s at Redeemer, but we did still get the blessing of hearing something from our resident poet - Steve Page. In case you missed it, or if you just want to read and enjoy the powerful truth again, it’s below.

P.S. I know it’s Tuesday now, but he’s still risen. Isn’t it great?!

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"Didn't He tell you
Wasn't it clear
Did you not realise
Did you not hear?
He is now risen
He is not here
He's gone on ahead
Please hold back your tears.
We won't need your spices
Don't look so amazed
Go tell everybody
His body's been raised."
So shocked and bewildered
They left the cold tomb
And ran to the others
Who hid in a room,
"Jesus has risen
He's body's not there
Let's go now and meet him
In Galilee where
He'll explain it all to us
Make clear what He said
Please don't look so worried
No need to be scared.
Jesus has risen
I tell you it's true
Let's go now and meet Him
Let's start life renewed."

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Joseph of Arimathea

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our fourth and final monologue is from the perspective of Joseph of Arimathea…

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“I’ve come for the body”, I said.

Pilate looked up – I think he recognised me from the Council.

“Please, can I take the body?”

We both knew who I was talking about

He spoke quietly to a guard who scurried away.  And Pilate nodded to the seats to the side – but I stood.  I waited.

It was getting dark by now – proper dark, and despite the hour, I stood.

Pilate busied himself, but glanced my way every few minutes – I think he looked curious, or it just might have been fatigue.

After what felt like an age, the guard returned and told Pilate what I already knew – Jesus was dead.

I realised then that I hadn’t stopped weeping since I walked in, perhaps that was what Pilate had been curious about.  I didn’t care, I stood where I was and said again – “Can I have the body?”

Pilate signed the warrant without a word and waved me away.  I didn’t outstay my welcome.

I got outside and looked around for Nico – he’d dosed off and I nudged him awake – “Joe?”  “Yes,” I said, “I’ve got it.” I helped him up and we stood there, hands clasped a little longer than intended.  It was good to have a friend.  We went quickly as we could – back to Golgotha.

The soldiers read the warrant and without ceremony they lifted the cruciform down, leaving us to take his body.

I think they enjoyed seeing two old men struggling with the nails, working them free, sobbing the whole time.  We worked together, neither of us were used to working with our hands and it wasn’t quick work.  We were soon bloody and hurting.  I noticed as we laboured, neither of us looked him in the face – part shame and part reluctance to look the truth in the eye.  Our Rabbi, our Lord had been silenced for good. 

“Come on, , let’s get this done,” Nico encouraged, “I got the spice, have you got the linen?”

I unrolled the strips of linen and we wrapped his body with spice, the scents doing nothing to disguise the finality of what we were doing.  We didn’t speak more than a few words, but there was comfort in the ritual that we were both practiced in - treating the body of a well-loved friend or one of our family with the honour they deserve.  This was no different in some ways, though we were short of time.  We dispensed with the normal psalm recitation – bowed together with a short prayer, affirming that divine judgment is righteous, despite what our hearts felt.

“Joe, come on, formal mourning will have to wait.”  I suppose Nico could see my hesitancy.  It felt callous to treat the Rabbi this way – but it was the law, we had to hurry.  We laid him in my unused tomb, seemed the least I could offer him.  And we left him in the darkness.

Nico gave me an uncharacteristic hug – there in the garden, in the silence and I sobbed again.  

I couldn’t help but think back - 

“I am the way the truth and the life, he’d said.

I am the bread of life, he’d said

The Spirit gives life, he’d said

He promised us the light of life.

He promised life to the full.

I am the resurrection, he’d said.

What’s going on, Nico?!!?

Was it all just words – just figurative language?  Was this too just a parable?

What’s in the name of Jehovah is going on?!

And we wept together as we walked home.

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Mary

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our third monologue is from the perspective of Mary, the mother of Jesus…

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I stood there overwhelmed by unbelief and sorrow.  What Simeon had spoken to me, 33 years earlier kept whirling round my head ‘Your own heart shall be pierced with a sword’,  

Yes. That’s how I felt – it was almost a physical pain… I could hardly stand.  I thought my legs would give way any moment. I leant on John, and he whispered ‘it’s okay, Mary, I’m here’ as he put his arm around me.

I looked up at my Son, Jesus, the Promise of Israel, now bloodied and dying for all to see.

The teachers of the Law and some of the Sanhedrin were there too.  They hurled insults at Him and each one twisted the sword further in my heart.  ‘He saved others, he cannot save himself’, ‘come down from the cross and we will believe in you’ they challenged.  But I knew as He knew that this was not true! Hadn’t He given them plenty of proof before that He was the promised Messiah? Yet most of them had not been willing to give Him a chance. They were afraid of Him, jealous of Him.

And then I heard Him whisper ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do!’ 

Unbelievable!  Fresh tears came into my tired eyes!  Forgive them?  For the way they had contributed to his torture, His agony? And for even now, at the end, having no mercy? I wanted to hit them, to make them suffer just a little of what my Son was going through! Jesus, Jesus, my Son, will I ever learn from You? And as I thought this He looked straight at where I was standing with John. His eyes were full of blood. Almost closed.  I realised He was trying to speak to me, to us, so I pushed John closer.

‘Dear Mother’ He said in a barely audible voice, ‘behold your son’. and His face moved slowly and painfully towards John.

I wanted to shout, No, YOU are my Son, not John, not anyone else, I don’t want anyone else, but His beautiful face, full of compassion and yes, sorrow for me, prevented me from doing so.  The tears now streamed uninhibited down my face. I nodded so He could see I was in agreement with this new arrangement. 

Then His eyes were on John, standing there right next to me.  ‘John’, He whispered, with an urgency in His voice ‘Behold your mother’. And as John tightened his arm round my shoulders, I could see a fleeting look of relief in His eyes.  He had provided for me, His mother.  The faithful Son, right up to the end! 

Like that day at the wedding feast of Cana, when I had asked Him to do something about the wine to help out Samuel and Ruth.  He had humoured me, because He loved me.  And them. 

Memories now flooded my mind… not just of Him with me, but with so many others… the widow’s son, being carried on the pyre on his way to his funeral; Jairus’ daughter; our good friend, Lazarus!  He raised them all from the dead… and people clapped and cheered and said ‘Surely the Messiah has come!’ and less than a week ago they were looking to crown Him king, as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey…  

He was doing so well – healing the sick, the blind, the lame, loving the outcasts, the marginalised…literally thousands hanging on to His every word for days…  I was so proud of Him.

And now – here He was, my Son, gasping for breath! At the mercy of these Roman soldiers…

An anguished silent cry came from deep within me, as I groped about in the dark. Questions tumbled into my mind, one after another.

What happened?  

Why did it happen?  

God, why did You let it happen? 

You could have stopped it! He could have been king, instead of suffering this cruel, undeserved death! 

Why, God, was there not another way for You to have achieved Your purposes?

Now – He is almost dead.  End of everything! What, oh God, have You accomplished through this unnecessary suffering of my Son whom I love?

Suddenly I remembered the Angel Gabriel’s words about Jesus when he told me I would be with child. ‘He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… and of His kingdom there shall be no end’.  No end, no end, no end? And so – what is all this, how can this happen, as He hangs on that cross…Aloud I whispered ‘I don’t know, I don’t know…’ But surely – God would not lie?

Hope, like a slither of sunlight, somehow began to creep into my dark, agonised mind.

What had the Angel Gabriel said to me when he told me I would become His mother and I had asked in bewilderment ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ He had said ‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!’

Slowly a supernatural peace began to enter my heart as I pondered on the Angel’s words. 

I glanced at Jesus again.  His eyes met mine. There was torture there, yes, but now I saw something else. In the midst of this there was peace – and hope! The crooked half smile He gave me was the most wonderful smile I had ever seen… for in it I could see a future. For Him. For me, for all humanity!

With dawning realisation, I thought ‘His birth was a miracle from God, His death has been accepted by God, and with God, He can live again!’ Incredibly, inch by inch, hope was pushing out the unbelief… the pain… the despair!

And as a few seconds later, with a loud cry, He said ‘Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit’ I knew my Son had won, somehow He had won! 

Even though it felt like my heart had been pierced not by one, but by so many swords, a new sensation of anticipation and excitement had also begun to enter my heart so that I was able to turn to John and say through my tears : ‘It is over, and yet it has only just begun!’ 

Written by Adele Dabrowski

Golgotha Monologues - Soldier

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our second monologue is from the perspective of a soldier…

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I really REALLY hate this job

Years of training, promises that’ll serve Caesar ‘for the glory of Rome!’ and see the world 

– and I end up in this God-forsaken, stinking, armpit of a country, populated by mad men.  

[SIGH]

Here we go again – bigger crowd than usual I see – oh that’s great, another messiah to crucify.  Will they ever learn?  

Well, that makes a change, even his own lot seem to be against him, they’re usually chanting, weeping or whaling by the time they get here, not jeering and calling for blood.  Like I said – mad men!

Yes, boss, straight away.

Up you come, matey.  This is your cross to bear.  

Move!  You know you only have yourself to blame – you brought this on yourself - 

Stand back you lot, give the man room.  We’re on a schedule. 

Right, boss.

Come on, Fix, you’re with me – let’s get this done.  Claud, Jules, you know the drill, do it like we practiced – tie him securely, one nail in each lower arm, one though the feet. 

Oh, just Ignore him, hold him firm, one of yer hold the arm and the other take the nail.  That’s right, one swift movement, do it right first time - it’ll be enough to hold him.    

Claud, get a hold of yourself, its only blood.  Be professional – there’s a crowd watching.  

Where’s that notice board, what’s to be written here?  What’s the charge, boss?  

Is that meant to be funny?  No, I didn’t mean anything by it, if that’s what Pilate wants, here you go, “JESUS – OF – NAZ -A -RETH.   - THE - KING - OF - THE - JEWS.“ 

What – no mate, I’m not re-writing anything – it is what is it.   THE KING OF THE JEWS – what’s written is written. 

Fix – do you think the boss is behaving a bit strange?  He seems a little distracted.

Never mind.  Okay – here Fix, it’s your turn to divi up his stuff.  Hang on, no don’t rip that – look, it’s quality, seamless.  Throw the dice for that one.  

Jules, keep an eye on those women.  No, they can chat to him, but no touching the cross.

Yeah, okay, but they use the sponge – and only wine vinegar – he won’t be needing decent wine where he’s going.

Right, boss, we’re done, we’ll settle in for the wait – this may take a while.  

… What’s that he said? “Finished!?!”  Hah, don’t you wish.   It’s nowhere finished for you lad – you’ve got a world of pain coming before you can shuffle off.  

Sorry boss.  Disrespect?  Come on , he’s just a – No, of course, no, no … sorry.

Blimey Fix, I think the boss has been here too long, he’s saying some strange stuff.

…. What do you mean he’s gone.  It’s only been a few hours.  

Show me – no give it here, I’ll do it.  

… Well, he is dead.  No, no need to break his legs, he’s finished. 

That doesn’t make sense – I know my job, 

• Did he just decide to die? 

• Who’s in charge here – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, or me?

• Who has the authority here?  This Jesus or us?  

WILL YOU SHUT THOSE WOMEN UP!  I can’t think.

Listen, Fix, let’s keep quiet about this – we’ve got a reputation to maintain.

What?  Now boss, calm down.  Listen to yourself – I know he died a bit different than expected – but the Son of God?  Boss, are those tears? 

I don’t know, Fix – this has got too weird.  

I REALLY hate this job.

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Pilate

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our first monologue is from the perspective of Pilate…

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Stepping outside was the mistake.

Greeting those Jews, just part of the job, but there I was...outside my palace...and there they were...and there...he was. Surrounded by his accusers and his governor...(that’s me)...yet wearing a calmer expression than all of us, as if he were Caesar himself, about to step onto his chariot for a lap of victory.

Resigned to his destiny...but not intimidated by it.

“Not my problem!” was the line I took, but they would not take the bait.

And neither would he, even in the face of his governor, the one holding his future in the palm of my hand! And so I choose…compassion.

A rare show of true justice and mercy.

Praise be to Pilate.

...

I did what I had done many times before. A carefully crafted question, creating a collaborative truth we could step into together: “Your kingdom accuses you, so step into mine.”

And yet the man will not bow to a convenient “truth”:

King of everything, more than King of the Jews.

So what else can I do? The man who came in as an inconvenience for the priests, themselves an inconvenience for me, places himself as my enemy.

I attempted mercy.

But my justice is justified. A swift flogging, mock the king of fools, and think no more about it.

“Problem solved!” I think and I say…but they disagree.

“Crucify him!” their reply.

Really? A bit of roughing up I can do, but surely this lunatic doesn’t deserve death…certainly not like that. I’ll try a different tack.

“Not my problem.”

But in their eyes I should be the solution, and that was the moment...the fear set in.

I was too far gone.

I should have never admitted his guilt.

I should have never spoken to him in the first place.

I should have never granted those religious fools an audience.

And this time the man won’t even respond except to bring his God in, and...perhaps offer me a way out of this mess.

“Right!” I demand of the accusers, a newfound courage filling my lungs. “I’m governor, and I say he’s going free.”

But what does a person do when his livelihood is threatened?

The fear grows in me: am I more afraid of Caesar, or of God?

I am trapped. It’s my job security or his life, and so I double down. If I will be saved by his being crucified, then I will do it the right way.

I will sit on the judgement seat.

I will write his inscription.

And let that be an end to it.

What was I to do?

Should I have sacrificed everything I’ve worked for, for the name of this Jesus?

I’m sure I’ve made other compromises anyway. What’s one more?

Written by Sam Isaacson

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We know there were some audio issues with this monologue, so the video is below for those who wish to watch it again!

Covid-19 - Grief, Anxiety & Prayer

I’ve been thinking about my feelings and emotions quite a lot in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. It’s something I always try to be mindful of but this pandemic has really heightened the daily process of trying to pinpoint how I feel. Naming my emotions doesn’t always come naturally to me, however grief and anxiety about the future were two things that came to mind, and I’m pretty sure these feelings aren’t unique to me.

Grief is a strong word, but in this time we have all lost much, be it big or small. Not just the obvious loss of life, but I’ve been particularly shaken by the impact this has had on jobs, businesses and people’s livelihoods. I’m also grieving the loss of community; friends who we spend time with regularly, church, family gatherings, coffee dates and people round for dinner in the evenings. I’m grieving the loss of ‘normal’ life and the way it used to look for us.

And then there’s anxiety - an emotion that sadly I’m pretty familiar with and have battled with before - that physical feeling of apprehension about what is to come. When will it end? How many will die? How many will lose their jobs? When will I be able to go to a shop without worrying what I’m touching, or go for a walk in the park without keeping 2 metres away from the person coming the other way? I think it’s the unknown in so many of these things that makes the fear really amplified; it allows the imagination to run wild.

As I pondered these things I felt somewhat guilty for feeling them. Doesn’t God have the answers to all these things? Should I even be feeling this? I was almost immediately reminded of two instances in Jesus’ life where he experienced these similar emotions.

The first was Jesus’ expression of grief after Lazarus died in John 11:35 where ‘Jesus wept.’ He shares in the grief of Lazarus’ friends and family even though he knows that moments later he will raise Lazarus from the dead. He doesn’t deny the emotion of that moment in spite of this. It is ok that we grieve, and feel sad about what we have lost, even though we trust and hope in what God can do next.

The second instance was Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where he expresses anguish in anticipation of going to the cross, asking God if there is any other way (Luke 22:39-46). He prays in such earnest that he sweats blood. It is ok that we look ahead in anticipation of the next weeks and months and feel anguish and uncertainty. 

In both these situations Jesus expresses strong emotions. But he also follows each with the same response. He goes to the Father in prayer. The first time asking for a miracle for the situation they were in; the second time asking for God’s strength and for his will to be done, returning in prayer several times until he receives what he needs from God. It is ok that we feel emotion but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we should go to God in prayer. And going to God in prayer also doesn’t mean that these emotions will simply vanish immediately. As someone who sees much of life in black and white holding these things in tension isn’t easy for me. I tend to think that I should either feel emotion or pray. I'm learning, as Jesus did, to express what I’m feeling to God in prayer, knowing I can return to him again and again, as many times as I need.

As a Redeemer church family we're going to be ‘meeting’ virtually to pray every Wednesday evening which will serve as a great opportunity for us together to bring everything we’re going through and feeling in this season to God; hope to see you there!

Sarah Montgomery-Taylor

Easter - A Change in Perspective

I shall never forget spending Easter with my sister, at my gran’s. 

Even though I was only ten years old and my sister was nine (which was many years ago), we still remember it clearly!  Why? 

• Was it because she spoiled us with her home cooking?  

• Was it because we were allowed to do fun things we weren’t allowed to do at home?

No!  In fact my sister and I were not allowed to do ANYTHING!!  Except pray, of course… After all, this was Holy Week…

On Good Friday we spent the whole day indoors, being reminded not to raise our voices and keep a solemn quiet! At 2.30pm our gran turned on the radio and we all sat together round her little table and listened intently to it. The speaker described the passion and crucifixion of Jesus in such detail and so vividly, that Marie and I could not stop bawling our eyes out! Our gran was so pleased that she said we could have something light to eat after 6pm!

Since the last time any food had passed our young lips was 10am, we were thrilled…

Well, on reflection maybe that isn’t the best way to explain Easter to young children, but our grandmother, a strict, staunch, traditional Catholic, obviously didn’t know any better. I like to think that God knew her heart though…

Since then, I’m glad to say, my perception of Easter has changed, as has its focus. 

Yes, I do still remember the pain endured on that terrible cross by Jesus, but I also know the real reason for it being known as ‘GOOD Friday’.  Because on that cross Jesus paid the penalty for my sin, dying in my place so that I, a sinner, can now stand before God the Father and be declared innocent!  (Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.)

So that was indeed a GOOD Friday!

And it doesn’t stop there… after Friday came Saturday and then Sunday – EASTER SUNDAY - the greatest day of all for fallen humanity!

For not only did Jesus Christ die for me and you, but He was raised to life again on that Sunday!  And because He lives, I too am assured of everlasting life with Him when I die! 

Wow! It can’t get better than that! 

Death has been defeated and our King is now reigning victorious!  As the apostle Paul says ‘Death, where is your victory; where is your sting?’ (1 Cor 15:55)  

It’s gone!

So now when I think of Easter I can’t sit quietly as my gran would have wanted.  I rejoice.  I celebrate together with millions of other people throughout the world who understand that the unimaginable happened on that Easter Day over 2,000 years ago -  The sinner gets set free, the gates of heaven are opened wide.  The Father welcomes us with open arms!  I shall be there one day – 

How about you?  What’s your perception of Easter?

A time of solemnity? Or a time to rejoice?  

If you’d like a new perspective – please join us at Redeemer London this Easter.  You’ll find people for whom death holds no fear - because Jesus’ death changed everything for us.  

Adele Dabrowski

Light v Darkness

Palm Sunday. A story about a jubilant crowd welcoming Jesus on a donkey. We could mistakenly think this is Jesus's happiest day on earth.

A day earlier, Jesus calls his friend Lazarus out of a grave, a man who is dead for days comes back to life! A wailing party turns into a celebration. People loved this version of Jesus, his God-power on full display. Here he finally was: the Messiah. News spreads like wildfire. "Jesus, the Messiah?" the Pharisees ask enraged, "we've got to put this rumour to rest"; they even plan to murder Lazarus. 

As night falls over the land, powerful people brood over deadly plots. Jesus needs to die. 

Instead of laying low, Jesus makes his biggest appearance yet. As prophesied, right in the heart of God's chosen country, in Jerusalem. The religious power hub. 

Rumours that Jesus is approaching the city draws everyone out onto the streets. The Holy City is teeming with people. 

Knowing scripture, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him, two with a special mission, to find a donkey's foal for their master. They find the donkey and bring it to Jesus. 

Riding on a donkey, heavy with symbolism, Jesus slowly enters Jerusalem and the crowd goes wild. They sing, "Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel!" As Jesus passes through a palm waving crowd, he sees pure joy on people's faces. Suddenly his gaze lands on a group of grim, tight-mouthed pharisees. Angrily they demand, "Jesus, make them stop!" Jesus counters, if they shut the people up, the rocks would praise him. Infuriated the religious elite disappears, fuelled by rage, they will find the cruellest way imaginable to get rid of Jesus.

The cheering crowd continues their chants, laying down their palm branches for Jesus's donkey to walk on. A royal welcome. The disciples are overjoyed, finally their day of triumph has come! They look back at Jesus, fully expecting a solemn or joyous expression on his face. Instead, Jesus weeps. He cries for this crowd of the lost. Jesus knows these adoring songs will soon turn into angry shouts, "Crucify him!"

He knows the hearts of people. How fickle we are. He knows even his friends, now proudly marching by his side, will abandon him.

In the bright light of day, everything looks as if Jesus has come to take his seat of power. Jerusalem is lying at his feet. But soon they will be at the feet of a cross, taunting him. A mocking sign above his bloodied head will say, "Jesus, King of the Jews" 

Knowing the true spirit of people, Jesus rides into Jerusalem with eyes wide open. Despite this, he is ready and willing to die for each and every one of them. 

Pure love has come to town. Worship him.

God Is Amazing

God is amazing.

This doesn’t seem like too big of a statement to make at the beginning of a Christian blog post, but surprisingly, even as someone who has been a Christian for over a decade, it is something that I still find myself saying every time I am intentional about spending time with God.

He really is spectacular, wonderful, inspiring, mind-blowing, powerful, merciful, gracious, the list goes on. Every time I actually sit down and spend time with him (which is not often enough), more of his character is revealed to me, and it blows me away.

The Psalmists tend to agree, as is written in Psalm 139:17 - “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” 

During this time where the pace of your life may have slowed a little, I would encourage you to be more intentional about spending time studying the word of God, spending time with him, exploring the mysteries and wonders of his love, grace and mercy towards you. You will not be disappointed.