The Crucifixion of Jesus33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his … Continue reading Christ’s suffering for Us
Category: Faith
A lovely man
It was almost two weeks ago that Derek Prime passed away, and I’ve been reflecting on my memories of him. I wrote this in our church email last week: Derek Prime went to be with the Lord on Saturday. Derek was minister at Charlotte Chapel for 18 years and preached many times at BEC. He … Continue reading A lovely man
A stunning confession
This meditation on Matthew 26:59-66 was first published in the Bellevue Chapel Easter Reader for 2019. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, ‘This … Continue reading A stunning confession
Death of a hero
I was sorry to learn about the death of Bill Frankland, though at 108 years old it was after a long and full life. Dr Frankland was a very distinguished immunologist, who worked with Sir Alexander Fleming, did groundbreaking work on desensitisation (risking his life by injecting himself with allergens) and devised the pollen count. … Continue reading Death of a hero
Mary’s Christmas
"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 The account of the first Christmas in Luke's Gospel is Mary's story. Of course, it's ultimately Jesus' story, but there's little doubt that Luke's key source in his careful investigation of the nativity was either Mary or someone very close … Continue reading Mary’s Christmas
Dig Deeper by Nigel Benyon and Andrew Sach
Do you want to study the Bible for yourself? I mean really study it for yourself, not just rely on a commentator you think is 'sound' to tell you what it means. Then you need this book. Its subtitle is 'Tools to unearth the Bible's treasure', and that's exactly what it is. Sixteen tools to … Continue reading Dig Deeper by Nigel Benyon and Andrew Sach
Luke 1:53
It's Mary's song - the Magnificat. She's recently been told by the angel that she's going to conceive through the Holy Spirit and become mother to the Son of God. She dashes off to tell the good news to her older relative Elizabeth, herself pregnant through a work of God, and the baby leaps in … Continue reading Luke 1:53
1 Corinthians 15:3
It's perhaps the most concise summary of the Gospel in the whole Bible - just five words in English (six in Greek): "Christ died for our sins". In this is summarised all Christian faith. My sins separated me from God, and there was nothing I could do by myself to be restored to Him and … Continue reading 1 Corinthians 15:3
153 fish
It's one of the great human interest stories of the Gospels - you'll find it in John 21. Jesus has been raised from the dead, but is no longer always physically with the disciples. Peter appears to get a bit fed up and decides to go fishing, taking half a dozen other disciples with him. … Continue reading 153 fish
Protestants: The radicals who made the modern world by Alex Ryrie
Do you consider yourself a Protestant? I do, though only really for the purpose of filling in forms that ask about religion. I'm a Christian first and foremost, an evangelical if it's important to distinguish from other groups, and if pushed I'll admit to Brethren roots and leanings. Protestant is well down the line, though … Continue reading Protestants: The radicals who made the modern world by Alex Ryrie
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