Epiphany – is the name given to a Christian Holy Day celebrated in the Western Church today (or sometimes on the first Sunday after the New Year – no doubt for convenience) or in Orthodox churches on the 19th of January, somedays after their Christmas. It has three possible Biblical settings but they all haveContinue reading “Mat 2: 8-12; Mark 1: 9-11; Luke 2: 25-32…. Epiphany.”
Category Archives: Christian Faith
Hezekiah 30: 1-22 (selected portions) What has this to do with Christmas?
Introduction: Many of the kings of Judea were rotters! Hezekiah followed a rotten king from a relationship to God point of view. His father had led his people into idolatry, much as is happening in many nations, including our own, these days! Obviously they didn’t keep Christmas in those days but they were supposed toContinue reading “Hezekiah 30: 1-22 (selected portions) What has this to do with Christmas?”
Isaiah 11: 1-5….Is Jesus the shoot from the stump of Jesse?
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,the Spirit of counsel and might,the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.3 And his delight shall be inContinue reading “Isaiah 11: 1-5….Is Jesus the shoot from the stump of Jesse?”
Mark 14: 22-25….The Institution!
And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This isContinue reading “Mark 14: 22-25….The Institution!”
Mark 13: 1-13….Past, Present and Future!
Comment: Jesus is obviously here talking about future events. The question (v4) asked by the disciples was almost certainly related to Jesus’ statement about the destruction of the physical temple which they were admiring. Jesus’ answer is much wider! I think that there has been much division caused between Christians and confusion in unbelievers becauseContinue reading “Mark 13: 1-13….Past, Present and Future!”
Mark 12: 35-44….Intensive teaching in the week before the Crucifixion.
35 And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,“‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’David himself calls him Lord. So how isContinue reading “Mark 12: 35-44….Intensive teaching in the week before the Crucifixion.”
Amos 5: 21-24 & 8: 1-6….Justice!
5: 21 “I hate, I despise your feasts,and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,I will not accept them;and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,I will not look upon them.23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;to the melody ofContinue reading “Amos 5: 21-24 & 8: 1-6….Justice!”
Mark 12: 18-27….They won’t give up!
And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers;Continue reading “Mark 12: 18-27….They won’t give up!”
Isaiah 6: 1-8….What a Vision! What a Response.
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.Continue reading “Isaiah 6: 1-8….What a Vision! What a Response.”
Psalm 119: 105-112 & 2 Tim 2: 15-17….Does ‘study’/’be diligent’/’do your best’ win the day?
Ps 100: 105 Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path.106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,to keep your righteous rules.107 I am severely afflicted;give me life, O LORD, according to your word!108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,and teach me your rules.109 I hold myContinue reading “Psalm 119: 105-112 & 2 Tim 2: 15-17….Does ‘study’/’be diligent’/’do your best’ win the day?”
As I read it! 