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.
Are you ready for Christmas? Only by seeing who Jesus truly is will we ever be ready
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.
Ephesians 3:14–21 Pray for power! That God’s power would strengthen you through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ would dwell in your heart.
Ephesians 3:1–13 The mystery of the gospel — that Christ has reconciled us to the Father and one another — has been revealed to Paul, showing that the church is central to God’s plan and all of eternity.
Ephesians 2:11–22 You were divided, but God has reconciled you to himself and one another, making you one
John 12:12-36 Remembrance is a time of thanksgiving for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others. We think of them, and we think of him – who came down from heaven to lay down his life for us.
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.