Tag Archives: bible

Jesus’ Anointing (John 12:1-8)

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12)

This week, we are looking at the story of Jesus being anointed at Bethany (John 12:1-8). As Jesus reclines at a dinner held in honour of him, Mary anoints him with perfume worth the equivalent of a labourer’s annual salary. This is an extravagent and incredibly expensive act of devotion. For Mary, devotion to Jesus is what matters most. But what do we spend our money on? Do we spend money on our personal needs? Do we support the ministry of the church to promote worship of Christ? Or do we give to charities that care for the poor? For Christians all these things are important, all should feature in our budgeting. We need to pray for wisdom on what proportion of our wealth we give to each.

Paradise Regained (Luke 4:1-13)

“We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin” Hebrews 4:15

What has forty days in a wilderness fasting and being tempted by the devil to do with paradise? Everything. In the wilderness experience, Jesus wrestled with what it really meant to be God’s son. In so doing, he prepared himself to resist the temptations of a public ministry. Let’s all use this Lent, to learn afresh what it means to be a disciple of Christ and to prepare ourselves to resist the temptations we may face

Dare to Disobey (Daniel 6)

‘May the King live for ever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.’ (Daniel 6:21-22)

This week we finish our series on Daniel, with perhaps the most famous story: Daniel in the Lion’s den.

Daniel’s unwavering integrity in worshipping the God he knows to be true is a profound example for us, showcasing the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions while remaining kind and respectful to all.

Dare to Explain (Daniel 5:1-6, 13-17, 22-30)

“I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.” (Psalm 25:2)

Our main reading is Daniel 5, the origin of the phrase, “The writing is on the wall.”

Advent is a time when we remember that God will ultimately win. Whoever seems victorious in the present will face God’s judgement in the future. Advent is a chance to remind ourselves to keep trusting in Christ, so that we will not be put to shame.

Dare to Dream (Daniel 7:9-14)

“[The Son of Man] was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and people of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)
It is Advent Sunday, and we will be looking at Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 which shows us God’s perspective on the future.

Dare to Resist (Daniel 3:13-30)

”They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3:28b)

This Sunday, we continue our series on Daniel with a look at the time, when Daniel’s friends resisted strong pressure to worship a golden statue.

Dare to Stand Out (Daniel 1:1-21)

”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

This week we begin a series on the book of Daniel. The book includes some well know Bible stories, such as Daniel in the lions’ den, but also weird dreams and visions similar to those in Revelation.