1 John 3(11–24)

Introduction In last week's passage, John was writing about the children of God and the children of the devil. The children of God are believers; and the children of the devil are unbelievers. And both of them display a family likeness. Both of them resemble their spiritual parent. So, the devil has been sinning from … Continue reading 1 John 3(11–24) →

Matthew 15(01–20)

Verses 1 to 9 Today's passage begins with Matthew telling us that Pharisees and teachers of the law came from Jerusalem. The Pharisees were the 'separated ones'. They were Jews who tried to separate themselves from everything which was unclean and which might defile them. And that meant staying away from 'sinners' and performing ceremonial … Continue reading Matthew 15(01–20) →

Matthew 13(53)–14(36)

Introduction We've been working our way through Matthew's gospel since January with a break over the summer. In the opening two chapters we had the story of the Saviour's birth and all the events surrounding it including the flight to Egypt to escape from Herod; and the return from Egypt after Herod's death. And then, … Continue reading Matthew 13(53)–14(36) →

1 John 2(28)–3(10)

Introduction If you're reading from the NIV you'll see that the publishers have given today's passage the title, 'Children of God'. And that's appropriate because the passage is about the difference between the children of God on one hand and the children of the devil on the other. In fact, take a look at the … Continue reading 1 John 2(28)–3(10) →

Matthew 13(31–35, 44–52)

Introduction This is now the third time we've spent studying Matthew 13. I've said before that it contains seven parables about God's heavenly kingdom which Christ came to establish on the earth. There's the parable of the sower and the seed which fell along the path and on the rocky ground and among the thorns … Continue reading Matthew 13(31–35, 44–52) →

1 John 2(18–27)

Introduction The passage which we studied last time contained encouragement and an exhortation. John encouraged his readers by reminding them of some of the privileges they had received because of Christ. Their sins were forgiven; they had come to know the Father and the Son; and they had God's word to make them strong and … Continue reading 1 John 2(18–27) →

Matthew 13(24–30, 36–43)

Introduction I said last week that Matthew 13 contains seven parables about the kingdom of heaven. There's the parable of the sower, which we studied last week. And then there's the parable of the wheat and the weeds, which we'll study this evening. There's also the parables of the mustard seed; and of the yeast; … Continue reading Matthew 13(24–30, 36–43) →

1 John 2(12–17)

Introduction Two weeks ago we were looking at that part of John's first letter where he referred to three false claims which certain people were making about sin. The first false claim that some people were making was that sin doesn’t matter. I can have a relationship with God and keeping on sinning, because sin … Continue reading 1 John 2(12–17) →

Matthew 13(01–23)

Introduction Matthew 13 contains seven parables about the kingdom of heaven. There's the parable of the sower which we'll study this evening. Then there's the parable of the weeds, and of the mustard seed, and of the yeast, and of the hidden treasure, and of the pearl, and of the net. And so, here we … Continue reading Matthew 13(01–23) →

1 John 2(03–11)

Introduction Do you remember last week's passage? John was responding to three false claims which certain people were making about sin. The first false claim that some people were making was that sin doesn't matter. I can have a relationship with God and keeping on sinning, because sin doesn't matter. The second false claim that … Continue reading 1 John 2(03–11) →