Ray Bell

We continue through the rest of 2 Corinthians 3 this week where Paul highlights the surpassing glory and the permanence of the new covenant, of which he has been called and commissioned to be a minister. It is the sure hope of the new covenant in Christ that gives Paul confidence and boldness in proclaiming…

Having spoken much of ‘comfort’ early in his letter, and then defending his change of plans to visit them on his way to Macedonia, Paul now writes much of ‘pain’ as he explains the main reason why Paul chose not to visit the Corinthian believers. He did not want to cause the Corinthians any further…

The Scriptures make it very clear that the promised Messiah would be king, and that his throne would be established forever. There was great hope and expectation regarding this king to come, as we see in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. However, the coming of the Christ was a fearful and troubling event for…

In declaring that Jesus is our great high priest the writer of Hebrews is confirming the absolute necessity and adequacy of His role as our mediator before God. As Son of God who has fully entered our humanity and has suffered under temptation He can sympathize with our weaknesses, giving us great confidence to approach…

This week Geoff Cottrell continues in our Advent series on ‘Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest and King’ by looking more closely at ‘Jesus Christ: the Prophet’. He writes, “God speaks, and God’s words were spoken through the prophets throughout history. At the time of John the Baptist the prophets had been silent for over 400 years…

      As Christmas draws near this year, we begin an Advent series titled, ‘Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest and King’. ‘Christ’ is not Jesus’ surname, it is a title or office which means ‘Messiah’ or ‘Anointed One’. When the shepherds heard the angel announce,’to you is born this day, in the city of David,…

As we conclude our series through Paul’s letter to the Galatians, ‘True Gospel:True Freedom’, Paul makes it crystal clear that there is only one thing that counts – a new creation. No deed of the flesh, or work of the law can ever contribute to our salvation. God’s welcoming acceptance of us into his family,…

Paul declares in Galatians 5 that it is “for freedom Christ has set us free.” I wonder if any of us really know the true extent of this freedom? We need to hear this gospel truth today, as much as the Galatians did in their day. Paul goes on to exhort us not to lose…

John Calvert continues our ‘True Gospel : True Freedom’ series through Galatains this week, looking at Galatians 4:8-20. He writes, “Paul’s initial message of Christ and His salvation to the Galatians was without any Jewish ceremonial or legal requirements. The Galatians were pagan Gentiles and slavishly worshipped false gods. In knowing the one true God…

Last week we heard that it is those of faith who are sons of Abraham, and these are blessed and justified along with Abraham by faith. This week we hear Paul present the ‘other side’ of the coin – if it is by faith we are blessed, to rely on works of the law only…