Second Sunday of Lent Year B (2017-2018) Bible Book: Romans Chapter: 4 Verse: 13 Verse (to): 25 There has been an alarming rise in outrageous actions carried out by Christians following the guidance or instructions of their leaders that have shocked the public. These have given the impression that faith in God leads to […]
Year C (2012-2013) Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 7 Verse: 9 Verse (to): 17 In Revelation 7, we are standing in the throne room of heaven. John sees an innumerable multitude of people from every tongue and nation, standing gathered to worship God. The group consists of both Jews (Rev 7:5-8) and gentiles (Rev. […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 3 Verse: 7 Verse (to): 13 Text: Revelation 3:7-13 Many explanations have been given for the “open door” of verse 8. The meaning of the door that Christ unlocks and no man can lock again has been given, amongst others, as: a missionary opportunity (comp 1 Co 16:9 […]
Year C (2012-2013) Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 1 Verse: 4 Verse (to): 8 The first readers of Revelations were little congregations who lived in fear, because they faced persecution. John also experienced hardship. He had been banished to an island – probably to do hard labour. John greeted these readers with a blessing […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 21 Verse: 10 Verse (to): 0 Text: Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 There are two alternative readings for this Sunday. The RCL gives John 5:1-9 and the Episcopal Lectionary Acts 14:8-18. Both these readings are about healing. John 5 tells how Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethzatha […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 22 Verse: 12 Verse (to): 21 Text: Revelation 22:12-21 The Bible ends with warnings, admonishments and assurances. Two of these assurances caught my attention while I was reading this passage: On the one hand there is the assurance that TOGETHER with the bride the Spirit calls: “come” (verse […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 1 Verse: 4 Verse (to): 8 Text: Revelations 1:4-8 The book of Revelations was written approximately 95 years after the birth of Christ. The future looked bleak. Many people were subjected to harsh treatment from the Roman government of the day. For the Christians, the situation was even […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 3 Verse: 14 Verse (to): 22 Text: Revelation 3:14-22 Translated literally, the word “hot” used in verses 15 and 16 means “to boil”. It’s obvious that this is a figure of speech. Water boils – people are diligent, keen, ardent, enthusiastic, zealous. (“Zealous” sounds remarkably like the Greek […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 5 Verse: 1 Verse (to): 14 Text: Revelations 5 Many a young girl dreams about how her future bridegroom will come to her to win her heart. The church is the bride of Christ waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom. In Revelations 19:11-16 we find the “Word […]
Bible Book: Revelation / Openbaring Chapter: 5 Verse: 1 Verse (to): 14 Text: Revelation 5:1-14 In the first verses of Revelation 5 we read about John’s dismay that no-one could be found who was worthy to open the scroll “in the right hand of him who sat on the throne” (cf verses 1 and […]