Fresh Faith

We have all heard this part of Philippians being used by preachers: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Sadly, it is so often taken completely out of context that many of us (myself included) have not been hearing the truth of what Paul meant when he penned these words. This year I have been working my way through some phenomenal Bible teaching videos by David Pawson on YouTube. He explains the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 so well that I felt compelled to pass on what I've learnt. (Side note: If you are serious about going deeper with Jesus, I'll leave the link to David Pawsons channel below. Genuinely some of the best Christian teaching around.) So... What does Philippians 4:13 really mean? This verse is about being able to live on your income. Paul is writing to say that he knows how to be content with what he has got. He is saying that “I have been able to cope with a little and with a lot, I've coped being well fed and being hungry, and that in ...

When we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us we should see a change in our lives. Our words and actions become deliberately moulded into something more Christ-like, and therefore pleasing to God as they glorify Him. The Bible calls it the "fruit of the Spirit." The list of this fruit is found in Galatians 5. “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ” Today as I was praying before the start of my shift today, that Scripture from Galatians was on my mind. During that time of prayer, this was the prayer that flowed. I hope this can encourage you as it has me today. 😊

During the Covid pandemic many people have been “shielding.” Shielding is a protective method advised by the government for those who are vulnerable from this new coronavirus. Likewise us Christians, as we are a nomadic people, we too are vulnerable in this life because we are not part of this world and what we believe in is hostile to the world – often causing us suffering in this life. 1 Peter was written around AD 64, during a very challenging time for the early Church. Nero was the Emperor and he enjoyed persecuting Christians. In AD 64 there was a devastating fire which destroyed several districts in Rome. Rumours quickly circulated that the Emperor himself had started the fire to clear the land to extend his palace. However, Nero deflected the attention by blaming the fledging Christian religion for the fire. He ordered all manner of disgusting and brutal persecutions: some Believers were condemned to be dressed in animal skins to be the torn apart by dogs, while others were bu...

“Avoid that, Follow this.” – a poem. The prosperity gospel is a deception, rooted in lies, Be careful to avoid it, to prevent a spiritual demise. It's a cruel message aimed at struggling Believers, A devious trick delivered by today's false teachers. It's messengers promise a life of riches and healthy living, They bend certain Scriptures, and the context is missing. It's a cunning ploy to lead many astray, To disrupt those following Jesus - the only Way. It is another gospel, a mockery of the truth, Don't listen to it, it's a form of spiritual abuse. Live Godly, and ignore that dodgy doctrine, Pick up your cross and be crucified with Him. If you want to be truly prosperous, Look after the foreigner, the widow, and the fatherless. Be led by His Spirit, and meditate on the Word at all times, Then you'll find prosperity, the way God designed. There is still time to have a fresh start, So repent, and ask God for a pure heart. 22.08.20

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15 I believe Jesus is Who He says He is. In the Book of John, Jesus said that He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and I have reason to believe Him at His Word. Let's look at this in more detail. 1. The Way In the Old Testament God provided for Israel the Law - the Ten Commandments - which highlighted a flawless blueprint to living a pure life for Him. It also highlighted that human beings aren't able to live without breaking that Law, therefore highlighting sin. In a way to combat the disease of sin, God showed a way to make atonement to Him which was through sacrifices and offerings. Throughout the Old Testament, there are prophets declaring that Something better is coming; that Something is Someone . The New Testament begins with that Someone - the Man Jesus Christ. The only One fully Man and fully G...

Just lately, in many ways life has become rather strange, But look past the trials and you'll find that some things don't change: The mountains are still tall, And the leaves still fall. The clouds still form, And the sun still warm. The sky is still blue, And the oceans are too. The flowers still dazzling, And the brooks still babbling. The fish still swimming, And the birds still singing. The bees are still buzzing, And the blossom is still budding. The rivers still gush, And the hills still lush. The plants still grow, And the winds still blow. The days are still light, And the stars are still bright. Creation like Creator is still the same, And the Creator is calling us by name; “Do not live in fear, And persevere here.” – Isaac