Jim’s Blog

Matthew 5 Divorce vv.31 & 32 – Part 2 Remember that it was a man’s world. The liberal view of Hillel, the convenience divorce of Greece and Rome, and the syntheses of these cultural norms all led to a man-sided approach. Shamai, although accused of legalism, sided with the woman. He did not want to […]

Key Verse: Mark 11:9 “…Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Have you ever thought you’d like to be famous? A household name? You know, someone whom people recognize on the street, write articles about and adulate? And, as you fantasize, you undoubtedly see yourself accepting all this adoration rather […]

Key Verse: Mark 10:15 “…Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” I think we’ve all heard it said of some happy senior citizen that he or she is having a “second childhood”. Whereas in their early adulthood and middle age they may have been […]

Key Verse: Mark 9:7 “…This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Today’s reading includes the story of the transfiguration of Jesus as well as a healing of a boy with an evil spirit. It also includes a discussion of who is the greatest among the disciples, and a comment from Jesus on who’s with Him […]

  This “second wave” of Covid is no surprise but it is troubling. It’s a bit much to hear we may be under protocols for another year, barring a vaccine breakthrough. Even those whose tendencies to depression have been minimal are sounding a touch gloomy. Little wonder. We’re made for fellowship.   In the book […]

Key Verse: Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” This chapter gives us a fascinating insight into the frailty of human nature. Beginning in verse 14 we have a story of the disciples forgetting to bring bread on a boat trip. All […]

Key Verse: Mark 7:8 “…Laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…” If ever you’re tempted to reduce God’s work in your life to a system or formula, read this chapter. In the first half we read about Jesus’ revulsion for human systems and traditions. Specifically, He attacks formulas for righteousness. […]

Key Verse: Mark 6:50 “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” If there’s anything for which Jesus is most remembered by the secular world (apart from the Christmas story), it’s something recorded in this chapter: Jesus walking on the water. He and the disciples had just finished a very labour-intensive (to […]

Matthew 5 Divorce vv.31 & 32 – Part 1 Here in the twenty-first century we live in an era of disposable relationships. Nearly one in two marriages ends in divorce. We accept it, even though it is often painful. And, increasingly, young couples are choosing cohabitation without the legal trappings of marriage. It’s a way […]