Acts 11:26 points out that it was in the ancient city of Syrian Antioch that believers were first called ‘Christians’. Scholars say that this was most likely meant as an insult; a nickname used to mock those who trusted in Jesus Christ. But the label has stuck and is still used today. Unfortunately, the term…

This week’s reading from Acts 9 contains what is probably the greatest conversion story of all time. Saul of Tarsus (later known as the Apostle Paul) was once a fierce opponent of Christianity and persecutor of the church. He had many believers imprisoned, and gave approval for the killing of others. Yet after he had…

This week’s reading from Acts 8 reminds us that God is always at work, preparing His people to proclaim the gospel and preparing hearts to receive it. The Holy Spirit directed the evangelist Philip to go to a lonely desert road – not exactly an obvious choice of location for street preaching or a gospel…

This week’s reading from Acts 5:12-42 might seem a whole world away from the church in our time and place. Healings, a miraculous escape, persecution for following Christ. Yet this passage shows us a church that is on the right track. Note these important characteristics: May God, by His Spirit, help us to ‘get on…

There’s a story told about a soldier in World War 1 who was badly wounded in the trenches. As he lay in a hospital bed, the doctor came in to see him with some bad news. “I’m sorry – you’ve lost your arm.” The soldier replied, “I didn’t lose my arm. I gave it.” ANZAC…

Many people know about Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed the Lord Jesus. Judas’ name has become synonymous with characteristics such as disloyalty and deception. Yet we often forget about his successor, a man named Matthias. The name Matthias is a shortened form of Mattathias, which means “gift of Yahweh”. Although the Bible tells us…

Pain is not usually something we would describe as ‘good’. Those who live with chronic physical pain long for some kind of relief, answer or cure for the underlying problem. Revelation 21:4 says that in the new heaven and earth, there will be no more “death or mourning or crying or pain.” So pain and…

We’ve all had times when things didn’t quite go according to plan. Just think back to the Covid restrictions of 2020-21, and all of the disruption and confusion that ensued then! There were many plans and schedules that were changed then. But our lives can be subject to more serious interruptions, too. My Dad died…

If we needed to describe genuine Christian faith and the true church in one word, ‘comfortable’ would not be the first thing that springs to mind! The Bible makes it clear that following Jesus Christ is far from convenient or easy. It involves self-denial, being willing to lay down our own ambitions, surrendering to God’s…

Today’s reading from John 11 is one of the most dramatic and moving accounts in the Bible. One of Jesus’ friends, Lazarus, was seriously ill. When the Lord was told about it, He didn’t immediately go to his friend’s bedside; He only travelled there after Lazarus had already died. Lazarus’ sisters said to Jesus, “if…