Acts 18 gives us an insight into how Paul was able to situate himself in unexpected situations, and react to unforeseen opposition. He avoided both the crushing weight of thinking the whole future of the Church rested on him, and the despiriting idea that what he did was irrelevant by recognising that he was,
Much of the Christmas story takes place at night, and for good reason. There is a darkness in these events that exemplifies the very thing Christ was born to save us from. It teaches us that,
God did the impossible at Christmas – the omnipotent God becomes a helpless child. And yet he did it …
There are two offices, given by Christ for the good of the Church – Deacons and Elders. This morning we look at Elders, Servants of the Word
Throughout 1 John, John has emphasised the need for Christians to love one another. But where does that leave the obligations of the Law? Is there a tension between the two? In the final chapter he addresses both, and brings the letter to a surprising conclusion.
In the way he constructs his letter, John seems to be telling us that the opposite of being deceived by some antichrist, indeed the strongest protection against being deceived, is to love one another. So, in 4:7-21 he answers three questions: Where does love come from? What is love? Why should we love?
The community John is writing to has been shaken, not only by people denying Christ and leaving the church, but also by people staying and lying to the church. And he shows us, in 1 John 4:1-6 … How to Recognise the Fakes How to Defeat the Fakers