Author: Philip

Real Strong Love…(an Easter reflection)

Philip

Getting pounded by insults is one thing in life that I hope you will never ever have to face. The old saying ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me’ is simply not true. Remember how poor old Charlie Brown copped a verbal barrage of ‘nyah, nyah, nyah’ one day from a girl? His response was, ‘I just hate it when those nyah, nyah, nyahs just lay there in your stomach and burn’. 

true love Jesus on the crossThe same could be said of course for Jesus. All through his life he copped a few of them – accusations that he was a drunkard (which was not true) or that he was a friend of sinners (which was true – but was never said simply as fact). He even copped this one when he was dying, ‘If you are the Son of God, come down from there and we will believe you’ (Mark 15:32)

Why was it that Jesus refused to do what they said? Logically it was a good idea. He could have done with some more followers. But Jesus knew better than what logic suggested. He could have got down quite easily, but that would have nullified the reason He came. See, it was more than nails that held Him there.

It was more than the ropes by which He was bound to the wood. It was more than that, much much more that held Him there despite the taunts of the crowds. It was out of His love for sinners, the greatest love for sinners ever known that caused Him not to get down and caused Him to die a death and pay a debt that He did not owe. It was for the purpose of our salvation that He endured these threats and hostility.

Logic said ‘get down’. Insults taunted him to do likewise. The devil also. All would entice him down except for His strong love for sinners, like you and me. Love would not let Him give up that easily. And by staying up there and not getting down, he proved that He was who they said – the very Son of God. This Easter, seek Him.

 

‘Jesus on trial before Pilate’ (John 18:28-19:16)

AudioPhilip

Pontius Pilate was a cruel and often uncaring Roman governor in Jerusalem who had plenty of opportunity to ask Jesus questions, but failed to do anything with the answers Jesus gave to him. In fact, Pilate had the greatest opportunity to know the truth but succumbed to the pressures placed upon him the Jewish religious authorities and the vengeful crowd. Even yet, his question, ‘what shall I do with this man called the Christ?’ is a question everyone must answer.

‘Jesus in the garden, the court and the courtyard’ (John 18:1-27)

AudioPhilip

In John 18:1-27, John describes some of the important events  that happened on the way to the cross for Jesus, namely, his arrest in the garden, his trial before Annas and his denial by Peter. However, John presents these in a way that helps the reader to understand that Jesus remain in complete and calm control of His destiny. The cross would not come about by accident but by His obedience to His Father’s will.

‘Saul’s good beginning …reaches a tragic end’ (1 Samuel 13-15)

AudioPhilip

Despite his good start, things began to unravel early on for King Saul. First came his impatient presumption when he offered the burnt offering sacrifice, then came his irresponsible decree when he banned his army from food, but to top it all of was his deceitful disobedience of God’s express command. There are many lessons we learn from his fall and in the end he does not point us to King Jesus who did all that God commanded him and whose fall on the way to the cross was only for a moment.

‘Samuel: Is this where I get off?’ (1 Samuel 12:1-25)

AudioPhilip

When Samuel gave his farewell speech to the people of Israel, he had little idea that his ministry was far from over. Nevertheless, Samuel’s speech indicated that he desired to be remembers as a faithful servant of the Lord who had shown integrity of character, had truthfully spoken God’s Word and had prayerfully upheld his people. God, however, had more work for Samuel to do and would not let this godly man’s influence simply disappear. Samuel’s faithfulness stands as a prelude to the Lord Jesus who would come and be faithful in completing all of God’s will for His people.

Easter is coming…we’re getting ready!

Philip

It’s almost that time of year when chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies will be bombarding us from every side and at every opportunity!  At St John’s this year, our lead up to Easter will take us via chapters 18-21 of John’s Gospel. Join us at 10:30am every Sunday from March 30th as we explore the road that Jesus took ‘to the cross, the tomb and to glory’. (BTW our Good Friday service time is 9:30am. All are welcome!)

‘King Saul… and his good beginning’ (1 Samuel 9:1-11:15)

AudioPhilip

When Saul was anointed by Samuel as King over Israel it was evident that he had physical features and character traits that all promised hope that he would be a godly leader of the people. Accordingly, Saul began well in many areas without the help of other past kings to guide him in that difficult task. However, Saul’s good beginning amounted to nothing. Believers are not just to be those who begin well but also finish well, using the gifts and opportunities that God gives us until the final Day.

‘The King they wanted .. .and the King we need’ (1 Samuel 8:1-22)

AudioPhilip

These verses describe the request of the people of Israel to Samuel that he appoint them a King. Although this request displease Samuel, God allowed the request to stand. He had already told the people of Israel of His standards for a king and could also see the motives behind their request. The people wanted to be just like ‘the nations around them.’ Thankfully we have a King in Jesus who is the True and Perfect King, One whom we did not ask for but were given because of grace.

Reforming’s newest home!

Philip

Our daughter Church plant, Reforming (officially, South East Bendigo Presbyterian Church), has a new home, and thanks be to God, it’s the home we’ve always wanted!  As of Sunday March 2nd, 2014 we’ll be meeting in the Performing Arts Auditorium (P3) of Bendigo South East College (BSEC) which can be found in Ellis Street, Flora Hill. Join us at 5pm each week!