ecclēsia

Ever been really disappointed? Maybe that's how you feel about 2016? Well there is a way to future proof your faith and minimise debilitating disappointments, but it is all about 'how you expect'

What do you anticipate at Christmas? The entire Old Testament looked forward to the presentation of an ultimate gift, yet when it arrived it was 'wrapped' in a very unusual way.

What direction are you heading in? The early chapters of Genesis records the mysterious movement of sinful mankind towards Babel, yet the Christmas story reflects an unusual twist in response.

Do you struggle with Christmas? Well, most people that do don’t struggle to accept the existence of the Devil. Not under-estimating the diabolic nature of Satan, listen in to the ONLY hope anyone has in the face of him.

How often do you really pray for yourself and others? Being aware of the privilege & power we have in prayer is a mark of Christian maturity and genuine faith.

Are you longing to see the time when the injustices of this world will be made right? James exhorts us to be patient because we will not see the full justice this world needs until Jesus' return.

James addresses the corrupt rich, warning them of their coming judgement, not based on their level of income but their character. Do we mirror their character with our wealth?

'The best laid plans of mice and men!?!' Why is it plans seldom seem to go exactly the way we want? It is a relief to learn insight to some fundamental reasons from James.

What causes conflict within the church? In this passage, James teaches how the adulterous heart seeks its own pleasure above God's and in opposition to others.

How can you tell a true believer? James lists the motives, manner and results of a lifestyle and attitude that trusts in God.

Have you noticed how hard it is to tame your tongue? James showed the potential for self deception is real (James 1:22-25) and this lack of awareness hallmarks a person whose religion is worthless.

What do you expect after you see lightning? Likewise, genuine faith is to be accompanied by works; without which is a fake alternative! What are these works and what if we don’t have them?

Can it be that one who has experienced the free and lavish embrace of Jesus could inflict the painful rejection of a brother or sister? Hear how subtly we can do this and how to break the cycle.

How do you respond to trials? James has suggested, sometimes without joy or with unwillingness to endure. Now he adds that we can also tend to respond in anger & self-centredness.

How do you cope when you come under pressure? Temptations come with the promise to make life easier but James offers practical advice that reveals not all that glitters is gold.

Are you going through a testing time? Unlike strawberries and cream, trials and joy are not words we often associate together, yet in the context of scripture they’re connected.

What do you desire most in life? Our desires dictate our doctrines and our doctrines determine our doings. When we pursue God he determines all, making us fit to serve him.

Whenever others remember you, do they do so with joy? Well, this was Paul’s response as he considered his warm relationship with the Phillipian church based on their gospel partnership.

Where can we go for help when the futility of life and death close in on us? The book of Ecclesiastes provides a complete diagnosis of the human condition. Only in Jesus can the cure be found to deliver and heal all humanity.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. In Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You can't know anything unless you start with God! Do you believe your bible?

Are your relationships worth fighting for? As humans we relate to different people in different ways at different times. Daily decisions tremendously impact those relationships either positively or negatively.

Jesus sees the widow's offering as greatest, though financially the smallest, she gave her all. Jesus and the widow saw the spiritual over the physical. What are YOU looking at?

We are prepared to make great sacrifices when we consider something or someone of great value. How valuable is God's Kingdom to you?

Where can we find justice in a world ravaged with lawlessness and violation? In the absence of righteousness; extortion and oppression proliferate. This leads us to question "Does God really care about injustice?".

Death is inevitable so why do we avoid talking about it? There is no quicker way to get to the meaning of life than talking about death. If we truly seek to understand why we die then we may see the God to whom we are going.