1 Kings 21

Introduction I want to begin today, not in 1 Kings, but in the book of Deuteronomy. In that book of the Bible we have the word of the Lord to his people, who were preparing to enter the Promised Land for the very first time. And the Lord gave them various instructions and laws and … Continue reading 1 Kings 21 →

Philippians 4(10–23)

Introduction Two weeks ago we studied the last part of chapter 3 where Paul said that he had not yet obtained the resurrection or perfection in the presence of God, which is the goal which God has set before us. We have not yet obtained these things; but, like Paul, we're to press on to … Continue reading Philippians 4(10–23) →

Philippians 4(02–09)

Introduction Last week we spent our time on the passage which runs from verse 12 of chapter 3 to verse 1 of chapter 4, where Paul said that he had not yet obtained the resurrection or perfection in the presence of God, which is the goal which God has set before us. We have not … Continue reading Philippians 4(02–09) →

Philippians 3(12)–4(01)

Introduction Before I went on holiday we had spent six weeks studying Paul's letter to the Philippians. You may recall the background to his letter, which is recorded for us in Acts 16, where it tells us how Paul received a vision from the Lord, telling him to come over to Macedonia. And so, Paul … Continue reading Philippians 3(12)–4(01) →

Matthew 26(47–56)

Introduction Last week we read how the Lord went with eleven of the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane; and there he began to be sorrowful and troubled as he thought about how he would soon drink the cup of suffering and bear in our place the punishment we deserve for our sins. God's wrath … Continue reading Matthew 26(47–56) →

1 Kings 20

Introduction The last three chapters of 1 Kings focussed on Elijah the prophet. So, we were introduced to him in chapter 17 where he announced to King Ahab that there would be no rain in the next few years except at God's command. And then Elijah went away and hid, first in the Kerith Ravine, … Continue reading 1 Kings 20 →

1 Kings 19

Introduction Before I went on holiday we studied 1 Kings 18 together and the story of the trial at Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, when they set up two altars and Elijah invited the prophets of Baal to go first and to call on Baal to send fire on their altar. … Continue reading 1 Kings 19 →

Matthew 26(36–46)

Introduction Before I went on holiday we studied verses 31 to 35 of Matthew 26 where the Lord predicted that all of his disciples will fall away on account of him. Peter protested that even if the others fall away, he never will. But the Lord responded by telling Peter that he -- Peter -- … Continue reading Matthew 26(36–46) →

1 Kings 18

Introduction We were introduced to Elijah in chapter 17, which we studied last week. However, it wasn't much of an introduction, because Elijah appeared suddenly, unexpectedly, out of the blue. We weren't told very much at all about his background and we don’t have an origin story for him, the way we do for other … Continue reading 1 Kings 18 →

Philippians 2(19)–3(11)

2:19--30 Today's passage begins with Paul referring to Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy was one of Paul's co-workers who used to accompany him on his missionary journeys; and he's mentioned in the book of Acts and in most of Paul's letters. And then, at some point, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the work there. … Continue reading Philippians 2(19)–3(11) →