Month: January 2025

What is temptation?

January 26, 2025

I am reading a book called, “To be a Christian” that is in a form of question and answer Catechism for growing in our faith.

I am up to the section on temptation on page 77. I really like the way it addresses key questions, has a short answer with lots of Bible references. Below is a sample…

  1. What is temptation?
    Temptation is any enticement to turn from faith in God and to violate his commandments. (Proverbs 1:8–19; James 1:14–15)
  2. What are the sources of temptation?
    I am tempted by the false promises of the world, the selfish desires of my flesh, and the lies of the devil, all of which war against God and my spiritual well-being. (Genesis 3:1–8; Proverbs 30:7–9; Mark 7:15; James 1:13; 1 John 2:15–17)
  3. What help do you seek from God in the face of temptation?
    I ask God to increase my faith to trust him, enliven my conscience to fear him, soften my heart to love him, and strengthen my will to obey him, that I may resist evil and stand in the face of temptation. (Proverbs 2; Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:31–32; 1 Corinthians 10:12–14; James 4:5–10)
  4. Does God lead you into temptation?
    No. God never tempts anyone, nor is he the cause of any sin; but he does allow me to be tested so that I may grow in faith and obedience. (Genesis 22:1–18; Job 1:6–12; Psalm 11:4–5; Proverbs 17:3; Matthew 4:1; James 1:12–15)
  5. What are ways to guard against temptation?
    As I abide in Christ, I can guard against temptation by praying for protection and strength, confessing my sins, recalling God’s Word, avoiding tempting situations, and seeking the support of fellow Christians. (Genesis 39:7–12; Psalm 119:9–11; Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 14:38; Romans 13:11–14; Ephesians 6:13–18; 1 Peter 4:1–2, 7)

I really love the question and answer format. I can see it would be a useful devotional and discipleship tool to help us learn and grow in our faith.

It is available online to purchase in paperback or hardback. I got a PDF copy from here.

(Image: Carolyn Dyk/Wycliffe Bible Translators)

The Chosen TV

January 25, 2025

My wife and I have been watching the Chosen tv series. It is something we have been meaning to watch for a while. We are really enjoying it a lot.

I think it would be really hard to bring the Bible to life on film, but the Chosen have done it really well. We have been brought to tears many times watching some of our favourite Bible passages on screen.

One thing I think that makes it so good is the writers have three Biblical experts who are advisers. They have a Catholic Priest, a Jewish historian and a Christian Bible scholar who read over the scripts to ensure it is true to the text and the cultural setting.

I really love the way Jonathan Roumie plays Jesus. He brings a level of teaching authority and strength when needed, but also a deep compassion for those suffering and those who have lost hope.

Jonathan (as Jesus) treats those who think they are perfect and religious with a firm rebuke and those who are genuinely trying to learn, grow and truly follow Him with love, compassion and encouragement.

The thing I have enjoyed the most is the way it has brought Jesus’ miracle to life. So far we have been blind eyes and deaf ears opened, violent seas calmed, paralytics healed, demons cast out and people raised from the dead.

One of my favourite scenes is the Roman soldier who asks Jesus to heal his servant boy at a distance. The way he calls Jesus Lord and then shows his unworthiness for Jesus to go to his house captures the moment perfectly.

I have really loved the Chosen so far. We have decided to buy the series on DVD so we can have it in our collection to watch again and again.

If you are interested in watching the Chosen you can watch it for free on their website at www.thechosen.tv.

Let nothing disturb you

January 12, 2025

When we are stressed or worried about the things in this life, we can turn to God in prayer to draw comfort and strength.

We can also look to the words of Scripture or the writings of Christians who lived long ago that can help too. Below is something written by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582).

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Those who have God lack nothing:
God alone suffices.

This simple passage contains so much truth. It reminds us that we love and serve an unchanging God who is eternal. It also reminds us that all things in this world will pass away. If we have God, He is all we need!

What is my mission?

January 11, 2025

What is your mission?

This is a great question. My mission was given to me many years ago in Perth. I was doing my morning devotions and a Bible passage really jumped out at me. The passage lit up on the page like a light was shinning on it. And the words looked bigger like a magnifying glass was put over them.

The passage was 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NLT. It says…

“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. [19] For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. [20] So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

This is when I felt God call me to ministry. In my heart I knew I had to tell people about Jesus and help them to follow Him. This started through my local church and several years later through PASSIONAustralia.org.

So since 1996 I have been doing my best to fulfil the mission God has given me. Some times has been in a full time role like a Pastor or a Chaplain, but mostly it has been as a Lay Preacher while working part time in secular work.

So what is my mission? I am an ambassador for Christ helping people be reconciled to Himself. I help them put the pieces of faith together to find Christ.