A good ride around town out past Bunnings, the railway station and down Riverbend. We live in a beautiful town. #narrabri #cycling
Today’s Bike Ride
Month: January 2023
Quote for the Day
The well-known story of the Tower of Babel is the focus point of the third divine rebellion in the Old Testament. The story itself is not about divine rebels but, at its core, is the point of origin for yet another defection from Yahweh by members of his heavenly host.
Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Scripture
As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.
Observation
Paul’s visit to Thessalonica was not a failure. He was treated badly at Philippi, even imprisoned there, but God gave him courage to preach the gospel boldly.
Paul speaks as the messenger approved by God. His purpose is always to please God rather than people.
Application
People pleasing is a big temptation for individual christians and for the church.
We want to fit in and get along with other people. But our beliefs and our message can cause controversy.
People are not always open to the message of the gospel or to its messengers.
Churches can soften their doctrines to avoid offending people. We want to be able to reach people without causing offence.
But the gospel is offensive to many people, especially those who want to live their lives according to their own standards and don’t want “religious nuts” telling them they are sinners.
We are citizens of another Kingdom, and we must live by the values of the Kingdom. That will cause some to be offended.
But as citizens of God’s Kingdom, it is God’s approval we must live for, not human approval. We must obey God and not be afraid to offend those who live in the world.
Prayer
Thank you Father for your gift of Salvation. Please help me to be like Paul, and to seek your approval alone. Amen.
Today’s Bike Ride
After some great seasons for farmers, it seems like there are cattle everywhere you look. Had a pleasant ride along Culgoora Road this morning. #cycling #narrabri
Quote for the Day
The transgression of the sons of God of Genesis 6:1–4 would eventually produce the greatest threat to capturing the promised land of Canaan, the Nephilim and their descendant giant clans. Michael Heiser
Today’s Bike Ride
A nice ride out to Eulah Creek this morning.
Today’s Sermon
Quote for the Day
What marks the profile of the first divine rebel? Hubris toward God, antipathy toward humanity, and dominion over the dark realm of the dead. All who die will abide in his realm absent the intervention by an even greater power. Michael Heiser
Today’s Bike Ride
After being away for the best part of the week, it was good to get out on the bike again. #cycling #Narrabri
Quote for the Day
People from the biblical period would have had a different perception, one that was more transcendent. They would have thought of Eden as a temple. After all, temples are where gods live. Eden was the abode of God, “an earthly archetype of the heavenly reality.” “Because Adam communed with God in Eden,” Wenham adds, “the latter was the temporal analog for the celestial archetype.” Michael Heiser
New Life Narrabri 