January 2010
Early in his relationship with Jesus, Peter was impulsive, given to making rash statements and promises. Even so he was often the first to acknowledge the divinity and Lordship of Jesus both in words and in action. When Jesus asked “who do people say I am” it was Peter who said “You are the Messiah, the Son of God.” When Jesus walked on the water it was Peter alone who stepped out of the boat to go to his master. Only God the Father could have given Peter this knowledge and desire for being close to Jesus. After Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Peter was transformed into a bolder and wiser person. Then he could become the representative of the risen Jesus.
We all need to seek that closeness with Jesus, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so we may be conformed to the person of Jesus and worship Him as He deserves and that we may learn from Him.
Be blessed.
Bruce
February 2010
As Peter was the oldest of the apostles, so John was the youngest. It is John who saw the vision written in the book of Revelation. It would appear that John spent a lot of time being very close to Jesus and learning from Jesus teaching. I think John must have been a very intelligent person but also humbly aware of his own shortcomings. In the book of Revelation a vision and prophecy of the end times is given. All Christians should spend time studying this book as it tells us how to prepare both ourselves and the body of Christ (the church) for the return of Jesus and what to expect to happen in the world and society before the second coming.
Be blessed.
Bruce
March 2010
As the time approached for the celebration of the Feast of the Passover, Jesus began the journey to Jerusalem. He knew the time for the fulfillment of the Father’s plan for salvation was nearing. Luke 9:53 tells us that His face was set for Jerusalem and the people of a village in Samaria would not let Him stay there. Because it was clear that that was where He was going. His journey to Jerusalem was not a quick one. At times there were many people with Him, and He did much teaching on the way, in synagogues and whilst on the road or in the houses of people He stayed with on the way. But whatever else happened on the journey, He never lost site of the reason and what was to happen there and why it must be fulfilled. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life it may be easy to lose sight of the goal for our life’s journey. Let us join ourselves to Jesus on His journey to pay the price for our salvation on the cross of Calvary.
Be blessed.
Bruce
April 2010
Luke was a doctor of medicine and as such, must have known much about the mechanism, pain and barbarity of Crucifixion as a method of execution. Many thousands had been executed by the Romans. A year ago I listened to a BBC radio programme where a group of experts, medical and theological, discussed the crucifixion of Jesus. I learned a few things that I had not previously realised. The Roman practice was to thoroughly and completely destroy all traces of those executed. The very name was to be wiped out and it would be as if the person had never existed. The bones and the property were scattered and destroyed completely. Even family members were also put to death or exiled.
Why then do we know so much today about Jesus’ life, teachings and crucifixion. In a nutshell, because of the resurrection. Jesus was the only person to come back to life after crucifixion. His disciples became bold in the spreading of His teaching. Jesus’ teaching is still as relevant and as powerful today as when He walked this earth.
Be blessed.
Bruce
May 2010
Paul had been a student of one of the most respected teachers in the land. because of this he knew the scriptures and the law extremely well. Paul also spoke several languages and also had Roman Citizenship. He was zealous in his pursuit and persecution of those who followed the teachings of Jesus. It was this background and also Paul’s single mindedness when pursuing a goal that was to prove so effective in spreading the Gospel, after his conversion. After meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, waiting helplessly for his sight to be restored. He restudied and reinterpreted the Scriptures (our Old Testament) in the light of his personal encounter with Jesus.
Paul then poured all his immense energy into spreading the teaching of Jesus. Praise the Lord because He can turn even His enemies into His ambassadors through the power of HIs love.
Be blessed.
Bruce
June 2010
Matthew had been a tax collector a person working for the occupying Romans even though he was a Jew. The practice then was that the collector had to collect the taxes but also their own salaries! These men made themselves rich at the expense of their fellow citizens. They were despised but also feared. Jesus came upon Matthew at his roadside tax office where He was extracting money from all who passed. Jesus said “Follow me” which Matthew did. Later Matthew returned all the money he had extorted. He must have been a very meticulous record keeper to have been able to do this and it must have devastated his lifestyle.
His Gospel is written to show the Jews that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. In the first chapter he sets out a proof that would be convincing proof from a Jewish perspective. Again we see God using the natural and learned gifts of a person who was going his own way until confronted with the person and love of Christ.
Be blessed.
Bruce
July 2010
Stephen is not mentioned often in the Bible. We hear of him in the Book of Acts Chapter 6 where he an six others are appointed to serve the widows of the Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews). This was the position of Deacon, making sure that these ladies had enough to eat etc. He may even have waited at table for them. Later in the same chapter we read that Stephen was full of faith and performed great wonders and signs. Acts 6 :8. As a result of this he was taken before the council and accused falsely of blasphemy. Verse 15 in the same chapter tells us that all in the council saw in him the face of an angel. In Chapter seven we read his defense; a potted history of the Jews from the time of abraham. After his defense he was stoned to death and he cried out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” and finally just before he died he said, “Lord do not charge them with this sin.” Just as Jesus asked God to forgive those who crucified Him, so Stephen asked God to forgive those that stoned him to death” May we also forgive those who persecute and harm us to a much lesser extent.
Be blessed.
Bruce
August 2010
Mark, one of the four Gospel authors, was also a Jew. He was born of Jewish parents in the eastern part of North Africa. He travelled to the Holy Land and was there converted to Faith in Jesus as the Messiah by Peter. Peter’s wife was a cousin of Mark. Mark is often referred to as John Mark, Mark being his surname. Mark also travelled extensively and was in Rome with Peter. He then returned to North Africa and founded the church at Alexandria. In fact he founded a number of congregations in North Africa and is regarded by the Coptic Orthodox church as the father of their church. He met a martyrs death at the hands of pagans who dragged him by the neck behind a horse for two days until he was dead. Mark maintained a steadfast faith and a caring and evangelistic ministry until his death. May we all do the same with God’s grace and mercy.
Be blessed.
Bruce
September 2010
Philip was involved in a power ministry and the town was undergoing a revival. Very large numbers of people were coming to faith in Jesus and were being baptised. In the midst of all of this the Lord told Philip to go and stand at a deserted cross roads. Although this must have seemed like a strange thing to do, and maybe even a waste of time, Philip had learned that the Lord always has good reasons for what He asked him to do. There on the deserted road he met the Ethiopian court official and was able to witness and teach how the prophecies related to Jesus. The Ethiopian was immediately convicted of the truth and asked to be baptised there and then.
We all need to be equally ready to obey the Lord when He speaks to us.
Be blessed.
Bruce
November 2010
Alfred Edersheim was born of a Jewish family in Austria. Later in life he studied Christian theology in Scotland and Berlin and became a priest in a Christian church. He also became a scholar and a lecturer in Christian Theology at Oxford University. He wrote a number of books and studies which are now extremely difficult to get. While on a book buying trip to London some years ago, I went into a second hand book shop and found a two volume book of his titled “The life and times of Jesus the Messiah.”
Never having heard of Edersheim I was unsure and spent time reading and praying as to whether these two volumes would be worth buying. On the inside of each book was written 2 volumes 12 pounds. I did not have 24 pounds so I prayed and asked the Lord that if it were His will that I buy them it would be 12 pounds for the two volumes and not 12 pounds for each. I walked to the counter put the books there and asked the price. Looking at me the shopkeeper said they were 12 pounds. Each or for both I asked. He replied smiling for you they are both just 12 pounds. These two volumes have been a huge resource for me in my studies since then. Praise the Lord.
Be blessed.
Bruce
December 2010
We have a special saviour in Jesus Christ. The Trinity is made up of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. The Bible teaches us that God is all powerful (omnipotent), all knowing (omniscient) and present everywhere (omnipresent). In accordance with the Father’s will, the Son emptied Himself of all of this and was born as a helpless human baby. A great mystery and a wonder which is impossible to fathom and understand; but one we should celebrate with our whole beings. Is it enough to celebrate Him at Christmas and Easter? Should we not be celebrating His birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection every day of every year. How? By obeying His commandments and placing God first in our lives and doing all we do to glorify God each and every day.
Be blessed and be a blessing to others.
In Him,
Bruce