Mark The People's Commentary - How do you explain Jesus?
Mark The People's Commentary - How do you explain Jesus?
by BRF - Dick France
How do you explain Jesus? Mark sometimes likes to enfold one story within another (or to ‘sandwich’ it) so as to help his readers to listen to the one in the light of the other. He has done that in the latter part of chapter 3. Within the story of how Jesus’ own family responded …
I am thirsty
I am thirsty
by Win Hawkins
“I am thirsty” Lord Jesus, at the start of your ministry you hungered in the desert and yet you were able to resist the devil’s temptations through knowing the truth of the scriptures. Now as your ministry in human form comes to its end - its cruel end on a cross - you are thirst…
Today you will be with me in Paradise
Today you will be with me in Paradise
by Win Hawkins
“Today you will be with me in Paradise” Did you really speak those words, Lord Were they really meant for me? I’m a robber and a sinner I’m a wicked man you see. I’ve always been a wrong ‘un My life was always bad But to see you here beside me Well that makes me very sad. I’ve he…
The Second Intercessions Handbook - Intercessions in Mainstream Worship
The Second Intercessions Handbook - Intercessions in Mainstream Worship
by SPCK - John Pritchard
1 INTERCESSIONS IN MAINSTREAM WORSHIP PRACTICALITIES This is a checklist of things to consider when preparing intercessions for mainstream worship: 1 Decide what’s special about this service. Is there a main theme from the Church’s year or from local church life? Will it be a sol…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Jesus the friend (2)
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Jesus the friend (2)
by BRF - Rona Orme
Jesus wanted to share the good news of God with everyone. When he saw how interested Zacchaeus was to see him (climbing a tree for a good view was exceptional behaviour), he responded with delight. Jesus looked beyond the man's reputation as a tax collector. Zacchaeus would have …
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Jesus the healer
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Jesus the healer
by BRF - Rona Orme
When Jesus promised to give 'life in its fullest' (John 10:10), he was talking about physical and mental health as well as emotional and spiritual well-being. In the Gospels, there are many accounts of Jesus healing people in different ways. In today's story, Jesus recognises the…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Look
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Look
by BRF - Rona Orme
The Bible encourages everyone to look to the Lord for help (Psalm 105:4, NIV), in the sense of searching to find truth, guidance or aid. There are also stories about the need to use one's eyes, to look closely. Jesus told people when they were sitting on a hillside to look closel…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Jesus the miracle worker
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Jesus the miracle worker
by BRF - Rona Orme
It is not known why Jesus chose to do miraculous things, but they filled his friends with amazement, awe and fear. Jesus was not just the best human being ever to live. He was also the Son of God. Session aim: To know that Jesus did miraculous things. From 50 Praise, Pray and Pla…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Taste
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Taste
by BRF - Rona Orme
Many children and adults hesitate to taste and try new foods. This session uses the idea of tasting different foods to encourage everyone to try faith in God for themselves, and as a reminder to pray. This might be an occasion to provide noticeably different refreshments from usu…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Touch
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Touch
by BRF - Rona Orme
Touch is powerful. When used well, touch can encourage, comfort and help. Unfortunately, it can also be used to harm. This session tells of a woman who knew that she would be healed if she could just touch Jesus. It emphasises the positive aspects of touch. Session aim: To unders…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Smell
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Smell
by BRF - Rona Orme
Specific smells can remind us of particular places, people or occa- sions. The Old Testament has many references to the use of fragrant incense in worship, while Paul wrote to the Philippians that their gifts of money were like 'a sweet-smelling offering… that pleases God' (Phili…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Thank you
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Thank you
by BRF - Rona Orme
Just as children are taught to say 'thank you' from an early age, it is easy to learn to pray by thanking God for all his gifts. By finding opportunities to say 'thank you' to God, we also learn to recognise some of the many gifts and blessings he showers on us. Session aim To le…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Hear
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Hear
by BRF - Rona Orme
Hearing is the final sense in this series. Jesus often ended his stories or teaching by saying, 'If you have ears, pay attention!' Session aim: To understand the importance of listening to Jesus From 50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Easy-to-run all-age outlines for use through…
John The People's Commentary - I Am the Bread of Life
John The People's Commentary - I Am the Bread of Life
by BRF - Richard A. Burridge
I Am the Bread of Life After the miraculous feeding and Jesus walking on the water and the discussion about bread, attention is now focused on Jesus by his direct claim, ‘I am the bread of life’ (6:35). Since the gospels are a form of ancient biography, the focus will be constant…
The Women's Bible Commentary - Wives as the Symbol of Kingship
The Women's Bible Commentary - Wives as the Symbol of Kingship
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Wives a as Symbol of Kingship Whatever justification Absalom might have claimed for killing Amnon, such as Amnon’s rape of Tamar, Absalom’s own royal ambitions are not hurt by having Amnon out of the way…
Mark The People's Commentary - Food in the wilderness