Job 28 Once kids hit 3 or so years old, they start asking lots of ‘Why?’ questions. When we grow up, the questions don’t go away, but just get a bit deeper – the big questions of life. Where are you going for answers? Where is wisdom to be found? This chapter tells us.
Job 13:23-14:17 It’s a common complaint of busy people that we struggle to find time to reflect. But times of suffering are an opportunity to do just that. In this passage we reflect with Job on some big issues – sin, death, and what lies beyond.
Colossians 1:3-14 The Barge’s mission is not just to put on services, but that people might be ‘delivered from death in the domain of darkness for life and growth in kingdom of Christ’. That’s what we’re here for. The point of this talk is to unpack this mission statement so we understand it, are inspired by it, and commit to it.
Luke 18:9-14 Some years ago I arrived at the airport gate for a long-haul flight only to be turned away and unable to board. Turned out my passport wasn’t valid…The beginning of a new year is a good time to check our spiritual passport and make sure everything is in order. This story Jesus told helps us do that by taking us back to the big issue of how we get right with God.
Micah 5:3-5 We long to get home for Christmas. But all too often, when we do get there, the experience doesn’t quite live up to expectation. That is because this longing is actually the echo of a deeper spiritual longing – a longing to come home to God. It is a longing which can be fulfilled because of Christmas.
Micah 5:1-2 As we look back on a year of international crisis, political instability, economic worries, and climate anxiety, we could all do with a bit of ‘good news of great joy’. Where do we find it? In a surprising place. In the little town of Bethlehem. So said an ancient prophecy from the 8th century BC.
Job 4-5 It can be hard to know what to say when someone is suffering. But we want to get better at bringing true comfort, and being good friends. The book of Job teaches us how – and, in particular, how not to do it.
Job 2:11-3:26 There is a shallow, superficial type of Christianity which makes out that if we are true believers we should always be smiling, laughing, and overflowing with happiness. This passage says otherwise. A true godly believer may go through times of deep darkness. It’s important we recognize this – so we are prepared, should we experience it ourselves; and so we can help others who are suffering.
Job 1:13-2:10 Job was a model believer, but he suffered terribly. Why? Why would God allow one of his faithful followers to suffer like that? It’s important we understand, so we’re ready for when disaster comes knocking at our door.
Job 1:1-12 Are you a fair-weather believer or a genuine one? One test will be, as for Job, how you respond when the storm clouds gather and the darkness closes in.
