Cross Encounters

God loves us all – everyone – and us individually – and Jesus’ death and resurrection tells us that God wants us to live – with Him – and with others. And then we – as individuals – can live so that the many around us can be blessed.

Jesus calls his people together in little groups and still comes and serves them, walks with them, helps them, suffers with them, and gives them a perspective that affects all of their lives

The Holy Spirit uses means – channels – words, water, bread and wine – so that we may know Jesus and the Father through Him.

What is the ’new normal’ when someone goes into the grave with death but then comes out alive? What indeed? Disciples of every generation live in their time and place, working that out! Our ’new normal’ of each day always has Jesus with us and his ’Peace be with you’ - ’Don’t be afraid’ - and that’s how we live through whatever the planet, our country, or us personally are going through.

For those baptised in Christ, they look to Jesus’ death and resurrection where we are joined to him and his new life. A daily return to our baptism is a daily putting on (like clothes) of Christ where we are reminded that our identity has been given to us - God calls us by our name, ’you are mine’ (Isaiah 43:1) - and that identity is what we wear no matter the clothing!

Trusting the One to Whom we call out depends on the nature and character behind the Name we cry.

Mothers are renowned for their love and care. They remind us that life is a gift and they can be reminders to us of God’s care and love who gives the gift of faith through the Church.

God is gracious and gives his life and forgiveness and perseverance and hope and blessings. In fact, in Jesus God gives himself so that I may live.

Repentance is the only way to live; really live.

Jesus’ resurrection is the Gospel by which we are being saved and which is delivered to all as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day.

Jesus’ transfiguration pointed to his death and resurrection where He saved the whole world from sin and death.

Church is an outstanding gift of God. We sing a new song that can be sung in all circumstances: that God has brought about peace between Him and us through the life and death of Jesus.

Everything God does are gifts to us. He came to serve and that we might live free from sin now and forever.

Growing in our relationship with Jesus shapes how we live and behave towards. It reminds us that everyone else is also loved by our God.

For both the Church and the World the only true hope is to stand under the cross of Jesus.

We have the ability to wreck things in the pursuit of our lives. God become human so that we may live with Him and live abundantly.

Jesus aligns Himself with sinners to save sinners.

Don’t trudge through life. Be ready and of good courage for the coming of Jesus.

The people Jesus came for may not be the ones that seem obvious to us.

Entertaining stories and scenarios in our lives can tend to aptly demonstrate Biblical truths which Christ taught, also by vivid examples. This one fortifies the willing response of our Heavenly Father, who is eager to hear the prayers of His children calling upon Him when in a needful state. Keeping faithful in trust we can petition God, with assurance He will be attentive and merciful to our nee...

A review of the psychology in the motives which drive our modern society shows a striking contrast to the perspective of Biblical times. The people and culture of that period were much more reliant on natural cycles, responsibility in the community, and overall provision by God. It would be more helpful for us today to trust in these same essential truths in accord with Christ’s timeless teachings...

We ought to consider what seems to be a tragedy in the recent terrorist attack against Christians in Sri Lanka, in fact, as a great example of committed faith. For the victims who lost their mortal life maintained more confidence in the promise of Eternal Life, which is achieved through our Saviour Jesus Christ. May this help to strengthen our Christian faith, and encourage all others world-wide.

The nature of our human being, with its intellect and reasoning, tends to think too largely of himself: failing to acknowledge the great majesty and mercy of God, as our only Saviour. It is only because we are so small and insignificant that He loved us so enormously to provide Redemption.

Just as Jeremiah wept over the Jerusalem of his time, so does Jesus lament when people are unwilling to repent and abide by God’s Word. Jesus longs to save and protect us.

This comparison between Psalm 93 with texts from Revelation offers enlightening similarities to help us see the great majesty of Jesus Christ as our King. Both identify His strength as a warrior to establish His reign - Everlasting. The greatest triumph is victory over death, which He grants in mercy to us.