Monday 23 February 2015

Can we learn anything from Judas?


If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: The Grim, The Bad, and The Ugly

Thanks to Russell for this week's questions!


Reading: John 13:18-30


  1. Jesus washed the feet of all the disciples, including Judas. What do you think Jesus was thinking and feeling as He knelt before Judas? What do you think Judas was feeling?
  2. Why did Jesus leave it till now in V19 to predict his death? Discuss the importance of Jesus calling himself the 'I AM'. Read Ex 3v14
  3. Does God use evil for his divine plan? 
  4. None of the disciples had any idea who the betrayer was. What does this tell you about their relationship with Judas? About Jesus’ relationship with Judas?
  5. Look again at V2 and V27 What has happened to Judas to allow Satan in.
  6. Has someone in your life ever hurt you deeply? How have you responded to that hurt? What is Jesus showing us in the passage?

Tuesday 10 February 2015

A bit awkward?

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: A bit awkward?

Thanks to Russell for this week's questions!

Reading: John 13:1-17

  1. Considering Jesus knew what was before him in respect of the cross. What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? Read Matt 20 v28
  2. This very humble act from our Saviour and Lord is teaching us something - What is it? and how should we serve one another V16
  3. How and Why did Peter react like he did when Jesus wanted to wash his feet and how did Jesus reply? 
  4. Two great words we hear little of today but what's the difference between sanctification and justification?
  5. How can we emulate Jesus' humility and love with one another and in church/workplace?

Monday 9 February 2015

The 'equality and diversity' Agenda

Every now and then I find myself in a meeting or a conversation where a group of left wing academic types will be holding forth about the wonders of the present 'equality and diversity' framework in the UK; often the same people would be at the forefront of anti-Israeli sentiment, however that's an aligned but separate issue....


When I comment on the damage I feel this agenda is doing to the Western (particularly UK) society I'm generally rounded on by all present with something like, "Surely as a Christian you can't object to this, after all aren't you lot supposed to be caring and loving and accepting of all?" 
On the surface, this looks to be a fair point doesn't it? And yes I will, absolutely shout from the rooftops that Jesus' love is to be shown and shared to all. However the experience of the Christian church in the UK is that the very 'equality and diversity' framework which is held in such high esteem by the left wing elite and their media circus, is actually constructed and promoted by those with alternative agendas which sit in opposition to Biblical Christianity.


I think Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, summed this up well when commenting on a recent case of a Christian woman being disciplined for nothing other than being herself (inoffensively) in the work place. Andrea said "Victoria's case highlights the risks of the current 'equality and diversity' framework. Rather than bringing people together and creating more cohesive workplaces where people can be honest about who they are and build meaningful relationships, 'political correctness' means that many workplaces are becoming fragmented, superficial and suspicious. People are being forced to hide their identity and the things that matter most to them."





Wednesday 4 February 2015

Which way ought we go?


If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: Which way ought we go?


Thanks to Russell for this week's questions!


Reading: John 12:37-50

  1. After considering all that Jesus had said and done through his teaching, miracles and fulfilling all that the prophets had foretold long ago, why did the Jews reject Jesus as their one true Messiah? Read Isaiah 53 and discuss.
  2. In verse 40 God appears to have blinded the unbelieving Jews and hardened their hearts. Does this mean that they had no choice? Will this 'spiritual blindness' last? Read Romans 11 25-27
  3. Discuss any experiences you may have had with those that flatly reject Jesus as their Saviour. What are the excuses they come up with? How would you approach it?
  4. In verse 42 Many Jewish leaders believed but why did they not openly confess Jesus as Messiah? And what does does Jesus say about this in V46. Also, how should we respond as true followers of Jesus.
  5. In V48 Jesus clearly makes the point of whosoever rejects him and does not accept my words will condemn him at the last day. Can you, as a christian in our modern times, follow Jesus but agree to disagree with some commands or teachings that may appear 'out of date' in our modern world? Discuss