Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9 Context: How do these instructions fit into Paul’s broader teaching about Christian living? Reading about family dynamics and how work relations should go fits in with the character of Christ that Paul refers to the saints constantly. These instructions outline key qualities of submission and obedience, yet they depend on and are […]
Read More WIWO: Ephesians – Episode 12: Relationships – Family and WorkReading: Ephesians 3:1-13 Context: Why does Paul refer to himself as a “prisoner for Christ Jesus”? First, he is describing his current location. He’s in prison. The reason he’s in prison is because of Jesus. That is to say, in line with what it means to follow Jesus, he is facing opposition and resistance that […]
Read More WIWO: Ephesians – Episode 06: Paul’s Ministry to the GentilesReading: Ephesians 2:1-10 Context: What does Paul mean by being “dead in your transgressions and sins”? Two related realities help us to understand what Paul means by being dead in transgressions and sins. The first reality, linked to the spiritual poverty Jesus describes in the Beatitudes, is the state in which our condition before the […]
Read More WIWO: Ephesians – Episode 04: Dead to AliveFour C’s Questions for the Entire Gospel: Context: How has your understanding of first-century Judea and religious conflicts enhanced your reading of Mark? Jesus is interacting and engaging with a world that is divided politically and religiously. And in those divisions, people are looking to assert a degree of authority and to establish some hope […]
Read More WIWO: Mark – Episode 25: Review and ReflectionReading: Mark 16:1-20 Context: Why are the women going to the tomb, and what do they discover there? The women love Jesus. The women seek to honour the body of the one that they love. This is an expression of great affection and care, even for one they expect to be dead. When they arrive […]
Read More WIWO: Mark – Episode 25: Resurrection and CommissionReading: Mark 14:1-31 Context: How does the woman’s anointing of Jesus contrast with Judas’s betrayal preparations? What a fascinating set of circumstances. The woman doesn’t know she’s anointing Jesus for burial; she’s offering a heartfelt expression of devotion to Jesus. She loves Him and is keen to express that in a lavish, expensive and deep […]
Read More WIWO: Mark – Episode 23: Betrayal and the Last SupperPreviously, we explored what partnership means for the Kingsman — built around purpose, honest in contribution, humble in interdependence, and sustained by covenant rather than contract. Those four principles were drawn from the breadth of Scripture. But there is one passage that puts all of it in motion. One account where you see what those […]
Read More KMCD 23: Mission, Partnership and the KingsmanReading: Mark 8:22-38 Context: How does the gradual healing of the blind man parallel the disciples’ gradually developing understanding? Throughout the journey of discipleship, the disciples see what Jesus does, but they don’t always understand it at the time. Indeed, they will often misunderstand what He does, and it will take gradual learning to understand […]
Read More WIWO: Mark – Episode 14: The Great ConfessionKing Jesus operated in fascinating ways on the earth. In Matthew 9:9-13, we see Him call Matthew to follow Him and then respond to the disdain of the Pharisees for attending a dinner at Matthew’s house. Here are some reflections on the reach of the King. Who Jesus Chooses to Follow Him – What to […]
Read More KMCD 08: The Reach of the KingPreviously, we considered the marvel of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it influences the Kingsman. Let’s see how it impacts how the marvel is conveyed within and beyond the church. Conveying the marvel within the church The church must be a community where the marvel is celebrated, not assumed. Here’s how that happens. […]
Read More KMCD 07: The Marvel of the Gospel – Part Two
