Jesus lists examples of the wickedness we can generate inside. What’s included? Deceit is there, where we use our cunning to manipulate others to our benefit, without a concern for truth. Lewdness is there, where our thoughts become indecent even
A mind which takes and hates
Jesus pulls no punches as he speaks of the wickedness of the human heart and its evil thoughts. His list of examples started with sexual immorality. Next he speaks of theft and murder. The temptation to satisfy ourselves and not
What’s inside?
Jesus is speaking plainly about the sinful human heart, to counteract his opponents’ self-righteousness. We aren’t made bad by our environment but by what’s wrong inside all of us. Thoughts rise up from within, often occupying our minds, which are
You aren’t what you eat
Jesus’ kingdom is formed from the rebirth of Israel. But some cling to the wreckage of broken, ancient Israel and so rage against him. But these men are seriously misled by their own minds. They consider themselves careful law-keepers but
Rules for life
The appearance of Jesus like the Old Testament Lord walking upon the sea was an important new stage in his work. But as the kingdom goes forward, its opponents rise up to resist it. Ancient Israel should be the seed
Christmas Sermon 2020
Sin is the virus which has gone throughout the world. It has created fear in human hearts, especially the fear of death. As a result of our bad behaviour, God has had to put the the world into a form
Son of Man
Jesus can do nothing for his opponents until they are willing to open their minds, because they are trapped by their traditions and rules. This is now demonstrated by a clash over the keeping of the Sabbath day of rest.
Papering over the cracks
Jesus has previously shown that his miracles are pointers to his greatest work: forgiveness for sin. That’s even clearer when he calls Levi to follow him. Though named after the priestly tribe of Israel, this man has become an ‘unclean’
Breaking through barriers (HCTW 4)
He Changed The World – for an introduction to this series of talks, please click the title. Mark 1:40-2:12Using the player above you can listen to/download the talk, which also includes the Bible being read out. Once you’ve listened, take
Trust and respect
Philemon 7-10. Paul’s prayer was for his friend’s love to be applied more widely. Now he turns to what that means in practice: welcoming back his slave not with harsh anger but as a Christian brother. However, Paul doesn’t command