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Category: On Scripture

  • The Tender Mercy of God

    In the month leading up to Christmas Day I think I have been present and shared something of the Christmas story at six ‘extra’ end of year events. We all know it’s a busy time, with plenty of different activities in church, school, and other community groups we’re involved in. For me, this has probably been my most active Christmas in some time, possibly ever. And as you can imagine, I’m wanting to share the great news of Jesus’ birth, but also do so in a way that isn’t stale. I want it to be attractive and meaningful for the hearers, and also for me personally as the speaker. At some of these events I can share the same message with a tweak or two, but by the time you’ve done that 2-3 times I feel within myself that it’s time to change it up. 

    That’s why, at our Community Kitchen Christmas meal the other evening, I decided to share for five minutes on the phrase, “the tender mercy of God”, which comes from Luke 1:78.

    It’s such a great phrase. It’s beautiful really. And it is part of the Christmas story, tucked away in Zechariah’s song. 

    After months of silence, and the birth of his son John, Zechariah breaks into praise. His words look back and acknowledge God’s faithfulness (Luke 1:68-75), and then turn toward the future and the coming of Jesus, which lead him to say those words, “the tender mercy of God”. 

    Tender mercy. 

    This is not forceful power. 

    This is not harsh correction. 

    This is not distant authority. 

    This is tender mercy. 

    Zechariah’s song helps us understand what kind of God we are dealing with, and what kind of salvation He is bringing into the world through Jesus. 

    John, Zechariah’s son, was not to be the central character of the story. He would be the one who prepared the way. Like the opening act at a concert who warms up the crowd and gets them ready for the main artist or band, his role was important but not ultimate. He would point beyond himself to Jesus. 

    And what was he preparing people for? 

    Not a political revolution. 

    Not economic rescue.

    Not national independence. 

    John was preparing people for salvation through the forgiveness of sins. A salvation that flows from God’s tender mercy. 

    If we’re honest, we often look outward for our own salvation. We want to be saved from difficult circumstances, whether it’s pressure at work, financial stress, health challenges, and broken relationships. And God cares about all those things. 

    But Christmas reminds us that God’s deeper work for us is inward. 

    God comes to deal with the things we carry beneath the surface. Guilt. Shame. Regret. Fear. The quiet sense that things aren’t right inside of us. 

    And He doesn’t come aggressively or forcefully, He comes gently and tenderly. 

    God doesn’t approach us with a raised voice, or come to shame and humiliate. He isn’t impatient or hurried or fed up and disappointed. 

    God meets us in our brokenness with closeness. 

    He draws near. 

    Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience to me when on Christmas Day you celebrate a meal with all the special cutlery and utensils. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Out comes the special plates, the special bowls, the fine glassware, and the more expensive cutlery. There are decorations that only come out once a year, perhaps there are some precious ornaments displayed around the room too. And within this celebration there are kids around, excited and happy and joyful. 

    Now, imagine that one of them accidentally knocks a glass off the table. It shatters on the floor and its contents stain the carpet. The room is suddenly quiet. The child freezes. They’re waiting. 

    What are they waiting for? Most likely a parent or family member to get cross out of the stress, pressure, and frustration that a Christmas Day meal can bring. 

    But tender mercy is not snapping in frustration. 

    Tender mercy is not shaming or scolding. 

    Tender mercy is kneeling down, wrapping them in a hug, and saying, “It’s OK. No worries. I’ll sort it out.”

    This, Zechariah tells us, is what God is like. 

    Because of God’s tender mercy, Jesus comes into the world. 

    Because of God’s tender mercy, forgiveness is possible.

    Because of God’s tender mercy, light shines into dark places.

    And because of God’s tender mercy, God guides people into a path of peace.

    It isn’t about having life neatly organised. It isn’t about pretending things are fine. It isn’t about performing spiritual competence. It is about a God who draws near, who sees us as we are, and who chooses compassion over condemnation.

    Wherever this season finds you; tired, hopeful, grieving, uncertain, or desperately trying to hold things together, the message of Christmas remains the same.

    God’s mercy is tender.

    And it is for you.

  • Christmas 2025: The Shepherds

    The Shepherds – Luke 2:1–20

    Ah, the shepherds. Those who go unnoticed, seem unimportant, and are largely invisible. Their work, of course, is constant. It’s dirty work. It doesn’t win them any points on the social scale. No one would be expecting God to speak through these guys, but that’s exactly what happens.

    This announcement to the shepherds by the angels is dramatic. God chooses the last group anyone would think to invite, shepherds working the overnight shift. And in such a moment the shepherds sing Gloria in Excelsis, not to kings, or those in power, or the influencers of the day, but for the people who never made it to the temple. They sing for those who are overlooked, responding to this announcement of good news with great joy and wonder there in v14, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”.

    Isn’t this a reminder that the gospel is meant to be received with fresh eyes and a ready heart? Doesn’t this give us a quiet correction to our assumptions about who God uses and who He seeks to draw close?

    It’s like the late-night cleaner in the large office building in the city. It’s like the nurse on night shift who cares for patients while the rest of us are asleep. It’s like that parent that wakes early, while its still dark, to prepare the school lunches. These are people we may walk past without noticing. These are the people who persevere with resilience and quiet strength. These are the people who, if announced in our day, would hear this good news first.

    Make a point this week to notice someone you usually overlook. Might it be the barista, the cleaner of the toilets at your local shopping centre, the crossing supervisor at school, or the bus driver? Offer a word of thanks, gratitude, or encouragement.

    Who around you might be waiting for the simple reminder that God sees them?

    This devotional series runs alongside our Songs for the Saviour sermon series this Christmas. It explores the four ‘songs’ of Luke’s Gospel, which in their historical Latin form are known as the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis, and Nunc Dimittis.

  • Christmas 2025: Zechariah

    Zechariah – Luke 1:56–80

    No matter how long you’ve been a follower of Jesus there seems to always be a way for doubt to sneak in. Here in the story of Zechariah we read about a sliver of doubt that that brings change. Zechariah is not a faithless character, he’s a man who has spent years praying, serving, waiting, and longing for God. Perhaps life had taken a toll by this point, perhaps hope was wearing a little thin for him. We don’t know, but what we do know is that when the angel appears with this unbelievable news, he doesn’t fully trust it. There is a quiet doubt that sits there.

    In response to this doubt God does not dismiss him. He doesn’t replace him with someone else full of faith and life. No, His response is to put him into silence. Nine months of silence. Unable to speak. Can you imagine?

    This isn’t punishment though; it is more about formation. It gives Zechariah the chance to reset. It gives him a chance to listen to God again. When Zechariah’s voice returns it isn’t a soft, fragile, or timid voice. It is now strong, full of praise from the resultant faithfulness he has seen in God. His song, in v68-79, is clear, full of conviction and hope. He has a new vision of God that brings worship and praise.

    This is an encouragement to anyone who has a spiritual flat tyre. This is a message for those of us who continually wake spiritually tired even though we’ve been getting enough sleep. It’s like the car that goes and goes but eventually runs out of petrol and can’t go anymore. The key is to fill up, to reset, to rest in God and allow Him to speak into our well-worn heart.

    Take five minutes of silence today. No words. No lists. No phone. No expectations. Just be still in God’s presence. Allow Him to speak to you. Just be in Him.

    Where might God be using frustration, fatigue, or doubt to draw you into greater trust?

    This devotional series runs alongside our Songs for the Saviour sermon series this Christmas. It explores the four ‘songs’ of Luke’s Gospel, which in their historical Latin form are known as the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis, and Nunc Dimittis.

  • Christmas 2025: Mary

    Christmas often arrives with equal parts excitement and pressure. We’re surrounded by familiar songs, familiar expectations, and familiar busyness, yet underneath it all sits an invitation from God.

    This devotional series runs alongside our Songs for the Saviour sermon series this Christmas. It explores the four ‘songs’ of Luke’s Gospel, which in their historical Latin form are known as the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis, and Nunc Dimittis.

    During our services we will explore each passage more fully, but in these devotionals, I hope we will see how our story intersects with each of the characters of the narrative. They remind us that God doesn’t wait for perfect conditions or give much thought to impressive resumes or extraordinary strength and power. Instead, God works through ordinary, unvarnished, and fragile human lives.

    These devotionals are an invitation for us to pace ourselves this Christmas and remind us that the same grace that shaped those in the Christmas story is the same grace that continues to shape us.

    Mary – Luke 1:39–55

    When we least expect it, we often find God at work. Mary is a very ordinary girl, living in a very ordinary town, one that’s never made the travel bucket list of anyone, ever. But God arrives at her doorstep, with a calling that would change the rest of history. She doesn’t feel ready, she hasn’t been rehearsing for this moment, yet her response is remarkable. A response that shows courage and trust in the confusion.

    Mary’s song is a song from the heart, with evident joy and wonder from what she has just been told. She praises God’s power, mercy, and faithfulness, stepping into a future that is unknown and will make life complicated for her. Any plans Mary had are now disrupted, with more questions than answers at this point.

    Mary’s faith is an honest faith though. There is uncertainty, but she is still able to say in v38, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” What faith! And what an approach to take as disciples of God in Christ. Mary surrenders not knowing how everything will turn out, but she is trusting in the One who does.

    Mary’s place in Scripture reminds us that God doesn’t outsource His plans to the impressive. He gives His kingdom work to people who feel small and unimposing. People like her. People like us.

    Mary’s experience is certainly unique, but she is like the new mother who realises they are now responsible for far more than they imagined. She’s like the graduate teacher who is given a class she’s not sure she can handle. It’s that moment when responsibility arrives and confidence needs to catch up.

    It is in this space where God often does His finest shaping.

    This week, begin each day using Mary’s words as a basis for prayer, “Lord, let your word shape my life today”. This isn’t a task to get done, it’s a way of opening our day to God’s leading.

    Where might God be inviting you to offer Him a hesitant but faithful ‘Yes’ this Christmas?

  • God’s Glory in Jesus: An Easter Reflection

    God’s Glory in Jesus: An Easter Reflection

    I preached this little reflection as part of our Service of Shadows at our Easter Thursday evening gathering.

    Hebrews 1:3 describes for us a clear and powerful summary of who Jesus is.

    The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

    What do we find of Jesus in this stunning sentence?

    1. He radiates.
    2. He represents.
    3. He sustains.

     First, he radiates.

    The Son is the radiance of God’s glory… (Hebrews 1:3)

    This is the image of light bursting forth from its source. Like the sun breaking through the clouds on an overcast day, with spots of light radiating through.

    Jesus doesn’t just reflect the glory of God, like a mirror reflects what is in front of it. Rather, he is the radiance of it. His light isn’t borrowed from somewhere or someone else, it actually comes from him directly. He is the light of the world after all (John 8:12). The glory of God shines through him.

    In a world clouded by confusion and darkness, Jesus is the one who shines clearly. If you’ve ever wondered what God is like, the answer is this Jesus, who radiates the heart of God.

    Second, he represents.

    …and the exact representation of his being… (Hebrews 1:3)

    He is the exacts representation of his being. Jesus isn’t a shadow or a copy. He’s not like a movie that has been adapted from a book, which never quite does the book justice. He’s not like a photocopied document, which is as never as clear as the original.

    He is the exact imprint of God’s nature. His character, his heart, and his holiness are all in Jesus.

    Colossians 1:15 says,

    “He is the image of the invisible God.”

    And in John 14:9, Jesus says,

    “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.“

     In Jesus we don’t just get a glimpse of God—we get God himself.

    Jesus shouldn’t just remind us of God, he reveals God and makes the unknowable known.   

     Third, he sustains.

    …sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3)

    As we gather this evening, right now, Jesus is holding the universe together. He’s not straining to do this, he’s not finding it particularly difficult or has to put in a lot of effort, but he is doing this through his word.

    The breath we take, the turning of the earth in time, the presence and placement of the stars and the moon are all upheld by Jesus and his word.

    John 1:3 reminds us that,

    …through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

     And Colossians 1:17 tells us,

    He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

    This Jesus, the one who we hear in each of the readings here in our Service of Shadows, readings that speak of Jesus’ mocking, bruising, and crucifying, but who is also the one who sustains the universe.

    Even though we will hear the end of Jesus’ earthly life through these readings, his power isn’t diminished by the cross. In fact, it is the other way around, his power is revealed through it.

    As we sit in stillness and walk through the shadows on the way to the cross we know that Jesus is (1) the radiance of God’s glory, and yet went to the cross for our sake. We know that he is (2) the exact representation of God’s nature, and yet sacrificed himself for you and for me. And we know that he is (3) the one who sustains all things, upholding our very lives, yet gave up his life for ours, taking our place on the cross for our restoration to God.

  • The Great Salvation: A Warning Against Neglect

    The Great Salvation: A Warning Against Neglect

    In my previous post, we explored how Hebrews 1 establishes the supremacy of Jesus over the angels. This understanding sets the foundation for the message in Hebrews 2—a warning not to neglect the great salvation that Jesus offers.

    This isn’t just an ancient admonition; it is also a warning for us today. We live in a world full of distractions, temptations, and trials. It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important, the core of our faith. Hebrews 2 urges us to hold fast, to be anchored, to Jesus, the author of our salvation. In so doing he tells us to be vigilant against the slow drift that can pull us away from Him.

    Do Not Neglect the Great Salvation

    Hebrews 2:1-4 opens with a direct and urgent exhortation:

    “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

    The imagery of drifting is helpful.

    Think of a boat tied to a pier, its ropes securely fastened. As long as the knots are tight and the ropes strong, the boat remains anchored, no matter how strong the currents or waves. But if the knots loosen, if the ropes fray, the boat begins to drift, carried away by the unseen pull of the tides. The same is true for our faith. If we are not anchored to Jesus—in other words, ‘if we do not pay careful attention to what we have heard’—we can slowly, almost imperceptibly, drift away from our faith.

    The Danger of Drifting

    This warning isn’t about a sudden, conscious rejection of faith. It’s about the subtle, almost invisible drifting that can occur when we neglect our relationship with God. Some questions worth reflecting on for ourselves, which may help us evaluate where we are at, include:

    • Have you found yourself neglecting the reading of God’s Word, allowing days or weeks to pass without opening your Bible?
    • Have you neglected prayer, letting your conversations with God become infrequent or shallow?
    • Have you been absent from corporate worship, finding excuses to skip gathering with God’s people?
    • Have you neglected using your gifts to serve others, retreating into self-interest instead of investing in a community of faith?

    These are the areas where drifting often begins. The author of Hebrews warns that neglecting this great salvation will have serious consequences. He reminds us that the Law, delivered by angels, was binding and disobedience to it was met with just punishment. How much more severe will the consequences be if we neglect the salvation offered by Jesus, the Son who sits at the right hand of the Majesty (1:4)?.

    Anchoring Ourselves to Salvation

    So, how do we stay anchored?

    The answer is not just to “read your Bible and pray,” though those are essential practices. Staying anchored requires a conscious effort, an intentional commitment, to remain in communion with God. It means recognising our deep need for Him and seeking to deepen our relationship with Him through worship, community, and obedience. This could look like:

    Worship: Engage in both personal and corporate worship, reminding yourself of God’s greatness and your dependence on Him.

    Community: Stay connected with other believers who can encourage, challenge, and support you in your walk with Jesus.

    Obedience: Be diligent in following God’s commands, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for the salvation He has given you.

    In a world that constantly tests and tempts, it’s easy to let those ropes loosen and find ourselves drifting. Hebrews reminds us of the greatness of the salvation we have in Jesus—a salvation confirmed by the apostles, witnessed through signs and wonders, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Don’t neglect it. Stay anchored to Jesus and live with confidence in His power and presence.

    Like that securely tied boat, ensure that your faith is firmly anchored, not drifting away with the currents of life. Hold fast to the salvation that comes through Jesus, recognising the seriousness of the warning and the greatness of the gift we’ve been given.

    This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:

  • The Supremacy of the Son Over Angels

    The Supremacy of the Son Over Angels

    Angels are a subject that often fascinates our culture. From their depictions in art and literature to their appearances in pop culture, angels are often portrayed as powerful, mysterious beings. Shows like “Supernatural” or “Touched by an Angel” present them as celestial figures with their own personalities and missions, often serving as intermediaries between heaven and earth. Even in music, with songs like Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” we see them as symbols of hope and protection. Yet, as captivating as these portrayals are, the Bible gives us a much deeper understanding of angels and their role in God’s kingdom.

    In the opening chapter of Hebrews, we find this truth: as significant as angels are, Jesus, the Son of God, is far greater.

    This isn’t just a theological point but begins to form our understanding of the greatness of the salvation Jesus offers. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear by emphasising the supremacy of the Son over angels, which sets the stage for the rest of the letter.

    Jesus Is Greater Than the Angels

    Hebrews 1:5-14 focuses on establishing the supremacy of Jesus over the angels. The author does this by weaving together a series of Old Testament references—seven in total—to demonstrate that Jesus has always been greater than the angels.

    1. The Reality of Angels

    The Bible doesn’t question the existence of angels; it assumes their reality. They are mentioned throughout Scripture as servants of God, carrying out His will. Angels protected Abraham (Genesis 19:1), delivered the Law to Moses (Acts 7:53), ministered to Elijah (1 Kings 19:5), and announced the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21). They even ministered to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). In Revelation 5:11-12, we see angels worshipping Jesus, declaring His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and praise. Yet, despite their importance, they are never the focus of worship; that honour belongs to Jesus alone.

    2. The Son’s Greater Name

    The first point the writer makes is that Jesus’ name is far greater than any angelic name. In Hebrews 1:5, the author quotes Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14 to show that Jesus is uniquely identified as the Son of God. No angel has ever been given this title. The name of Jesus signifies His divine authority and unique relationship with the Father.

    3. The Son is Worshipped by Angels

    Hebrews 1:6-7 makes it clear that the angels worship Jesus (cf. Revelation 5:11-12). These divine celestial beings, who themselves are holy and God’s light, bow before Jesus, recognising His divine authority. This reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just another spiritual being; He is the object of angelic worship.

    4. The Son’s Exaltation

    Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God, a position higher than the angels. This idea is supported by several Psalms (Psalm 45:6-7; 102:25-27; 110:1) quoted by the writer. The right hand of God is a place of supreme honour and authority, and it is here that Jesus is seated, ruling over all creation, including the angels.

    5. Angels as Servants

    Finally, Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. This highlights their role as servants, not rulers. Their purpose is to assist in the unfolding of God’s plan, particularly in the lives of those who are saved by Jesus. This service again highlights the salvation Jesus offers, how it is so much greater that angels are sent to aid in its fulfilment.

    This first chapter of Hebrews serves as a powerful reminder: while angels are significant in God’s plan, they are not to be worshipped or revered above Jesus.

    The Son of God is far greater.

    He is the one whom the angels worship, and He is the one who holds the universe together.

    As we move into Hebrews chapter 2, we’ll see why this salvation that Jesus brings is something we must never neglect.

    This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:

  • The Great Son: Understanding the Supremacy of Jesus

    The Great Son: Understanding the Supremacy of Jesus

    The world is constantly changing, sometimes rapidly. Take technology for example. Remember when floppy disks were cutting-edge? Those little square disks held all our data and seemed revolutionary at the time. Then came CDs, USB drives, and portable hard drives. Now, we store and share data wirelessly through this mysterious cloud, data centres in various parts of the world. This evolution is a reminder that things change, often quickly, and how what was once essential can become no longer.

    In the opening verses of Hebrews, this idea of change is made front and centre. The writer introduces us to a new season in which God has revealed Himself in a way that surpasses all previous revelations—through His Son, Jesus.

    Jesus Is the Great Son

    In Hebrews 1:1-4, we read:

    In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

    These verses highlight the supremacy of Jesus. He is greater than all who came before, the ultimate way in which God has chosen to reveal Himself.

    God is a God Who Speaks

    From the very beginning, God has been speaking. Genesis 1:3 tells us, “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” God continues to communicate with His creation, including us, giving instructions and maintaining a relationship with us. He is not distant; He is present, like a friend who is always just a call away, ready to help whenever we need it.

    Yet, despite God’s openness, we often hide from Him, just as Adam and Eve did in the garden after their rebellion. They were afraid, so they hid, but God sought them out. Similarly, when we realise our own shortcomings, we tend to withdraw, but God seeks us out, desiring a restored relationship. He wants to comfort and reassure us. The question is, do we have open hearts to hear from Him?

    God Spoke Through the Prophets

    In the past, God communicated through prophets in various ways. He spoke to Abraham in a vision (Genesis 15:1), to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4), to Samuel through a dream (1 Samuel 3:4-10), and to David through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4-5). When we receive important news it may come via personal letter but probably via email or text or a phone call. Whatever the case, the message or important news is communicated to you. In the Old Testament, God’s messages were relayed through His prophets.

    God Speaks Through His Son

    But now, in these last days, God speaks to us through His Son. The writer of Hebrews emphasises that we are in a new era. The end times began with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and they will continue until Jesus returns. From this time on Jesus is final and complete revelation of God. As we seek to hear God’s voice and know His will, we turn to Jesus.

    Hebrews 1:2-4 gives us insight into the Son’s place and role. Jesus is the heir of all things, the creator and sustainer of the universe, and the exact representation of God’s being. He holds the universe together with His powerful word and sustains us.

    Jesus’ role is further confirmed by His actions. He provided purification for our sins through His death on the cross, allowing us to draw near to God with sincere hearts and the assurance that comes from faith. Though it might seem strange to modern ears, the concept of being cleansed by Jesus’ blood is deeply rooted in Scripture, from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament to the teachings of the New Testament.

    Conclusion

    Finally, we see Jesus exalted, seated at the right hand of God (1:4). This position confirms His superiority over everything that came before Him. Jesus, as the heir, sustainer, and purifier, is greater than the angels, the Law, Moses, the prophets, and the priests.

    Just as floppy disks and CDs have been replaced by more advanced technology, the old ways of understanding God have been surpassed by the ultimate revelation through His Son. Jesus isn’t just an update; He’s the final word, the complete picture of who God is and what He desires for us.

    The encouragement for us is simple: listen for His voice, trust in His authority, and worship Him as the sustainer of our world. We are to live in the light of His exaltation, seek His presence daily, and reflect His glory in all that we do.

    This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:

  • Greater Than: The Message of Hebrews

    Greater Than: The Message of Hebrews

    Have you ever found yourself at the point where you realised whatever you’re doing isn’t worth the time, energy, or effort to continue, so you quit?

    Many of us have experienced this with various things in life, like gym memberships, growing a veggie patch in our yard, or even more significant commitments like jobs or relationships. It’s a common human experience.

    We’ve begun a new sermon series at our church where we’re diving into the book of Hebrews, a letter that inspires and encourages us not to quit but to persevere in our walk with Jesus.

    The central message of Hebrews is that Jesus is greater than all. He is the ultimate revelation of God, providing us with everything we need for our souls, life, and faith. This then leads to the constant encouragement to not give up, to not quit the faith, but to keep on keeping on.

    If you’ve ever signed up for a gym membership, then you may have experienced something of the following. You sign up inspired to get healthy, turn up 3-4 times per week, and want to make use of the classes on offer or the swimming pool in the complex. But about 6 weeks in, the results aren’t there. Another 6 weeks later, you realise you haven’t attended in a while, and then 6 weeks after that, you realise you’re paying a good amount of money for nothing. So, you quit. You give up on it.

    In our faith we may be tempted to do the same. We get some months or years or even decades down the road of faith and drift. We drift so much, we decide it’s not true, or not worth the time, or we’re not longer convinced it’s worth it.

    This is where the message of Hebrews comes in. It is written to encourage us not to give up, but to persevere in light of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. It is written with teachings, with warnings, and with encouragements to help us do just that. To keep going.

    This sermonic letter opens with a majestic declaration:

    “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)

    As the letter progresses, we see that Jesus is greater than the angels, Moses, the priests, and the old sacrificial system. He is our Great High Priest, who mediates between God and his people, and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. This truth is at the heart of our faith and is written to give us the strength to keep going.

    Toward the end of the book Hebrews 12:1-2 says the following to continue this encouragement:

    “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

    In our faith journey, we might face moments where we want to quit due to life’s challenges, doubts, or our own shortcomings. But we are not alone. We are surrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’—those who have gone before us and those walking alongside us. Most importantly, we have Jesus, who endured the cross for us and intercedes for us.

    The continued encouragement is to commit to running the race of faith with faith, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and drawing strength from His example and the community of believers around us.

    I look forward to sharing more on Hebrews in coming months as we explore this book.

  • Conduct Reflects The Gospel

    We know when people work together in unity much can be achieved. There is a bond together, there is a goal to achieve, there is progress made, sometimes quite rapidly, when people are united.

    We may have experienced this before ourselves when working with others on a particular task, on a particular project, or toward a particular goal. We might even look at the natural world and think of the ant colony that works together in various lines to sustain themselves, or birds flying in a V formation to make a flight easier, or lionesses hunting in packs to capture their prey.

    When in community with others being united is important in achieving common goals and objectives. And for the church at Philippi, to not crumble under the pressure they are facing, Paul presses on them the need to be united at the end of chapter one, verse 27.

    “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…”

    Reflecting The Gospel In Unity

    Paul names the unity of the church as a way for the church to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.

    This is how the gospel is displayed, through the unity of believers.

    Whether Paul is with them or not, that in the end doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the conduct worthy of the gospel will be displayed through the church’s unity and togetherness.

    The church in Philippi is under some pressure and persecution. We read in v28 of some opponents and Paul’s word to the church is, “to stand firm in one Spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents.”

    As the church stands firm, and are of one accord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, then in their striving together they are contending for the faith. In their unity they are displaying the unity they have in the gospel, in Christ. In their unity they are conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.

    Disunity In The Church

    In my experience of church life I have seen and experienced plenty of disunity within the church. So much so I wonder what I’m still doing here sometimes. You may well know or have experienced times when a church has not been united either. And when this occurs, when there is disunity in the church, things can go wrong, very wrong.

    The conduct of people goes awry,

    The idea of where the church should be putting its energies gets pulled this way and that.

    There is commonly some relational breakdown.

    It becomes a very poor witness to the Christian community, let alone the wider community.

    And the main thing no longer becomes the main thing. The gospel is sidelined, pettiness and gossip increase, and it becomes awkward and awful for many.

    When we read the scriptures we are encouraged and challenged toward unity by these words of Paul. As we seek to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel may we be people who stand firm in the Spirit and in one accord contending together for the faith of gospel.

    In today’s polarised society, achieving this unity can seem like an uphill battle.

    Unity In An Age of Polarisation

    Like the Philippians, we face growing skepticism of Christianity in our society. The secular nature of our society may sometimes conflict with gospel-worthy conduct, creating tension. Furthermore, our era is characterised by extreme polarisation, where civil discourse has been replaced by a binary divide, fostering an us-versus-them mentality.

    The challenge we face is how we can maintain unity amid the cacophony of differing opinions and debates. A congregation of 150-200 people will naturally hold differing views, much like any friend or family group. Yet, this must not deter us from seeking unity in our common faith while still encouraging healthy dialogue and disagreement.

    As we navigate complex societal issues like:

    • government and political ethics
    • euthanasia
    • race and discrimination
    • personal and corporate justice
    • substance use
    • relationship dynamics
    • reproductive technologies
    • sexuality and gender issues
    • economic disparities
    • health matters
    • environmental stewardship
    • and for us in Australia this year – the Voice to Parliament

    We must constantly ask ourselves how to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. It is not about agreement on all matters but upholding the spirit of unity and love as taught by Christ.

    As we live in the reality whereby issues such as these are part of our lives and culture how do we remain united around the gospel while wrestling with these things?

    Love On Display

    Thankfully Paul writes about this unity in a few places in his letters, and he speaks no better about unity than in 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. Beginning with the illustration of the church being one body with many parts he moves on to his most crucial point regarding unity–love. In 13:4-8 we read,

    Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

    It is love which is most central to unity, it is love which is most central to Paul, and it is love which is most central to our faith. It is the “more excellent way” as he writes in 1 Corinthians 12:31.

    Christians are to be marked by love and to be unified by love.

    That love is best displayed when we head to the cross.

    That sacrificial, God-exalting, sinner-redeeming love is most clearly seen through Jesus’ death and unifies all believers to love others rather than themselves.

    Why is it that churches split, that conflict occurs, that disunity abounds?

    It is because there is no Christ-like love.

    On the other hand, why does unity occur?

    It is because there is love.

    It’s not actually unity through diversity that Paul is calling for here, which for some is a common catch-cry, it’s actually unity through love.

    And through the cross of Christ and the love of Christ unity is found.

    As people, and as the Church, who are conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel may we be encouraged and challenged to be united through the message of Christ, and in so doing display the love of Christ.

    This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see: