Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) is held in high esteem in Scotland, both for his commitment to truth and his concern for the poor. It is said of him that “he warmed Glasgow,” a commendation of the gospel as much as Chalmers. He exemplifies the gospel as God at work to “rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure” (v 14).

What changes people who are “stupid, disobedient and foolish” (v 3) into those “who do something helpful” (vv 1,8,14)? How can people who were full of jealousy and hatred (v 3) become gentle and kind to everyone (v 2)? Paul will tell us what brings about change but also warn us what can stifle change.

When I was younger in my faith I had a wayward outlook on ministry. I can remember thinking that when we had an opportunity to speak at a school or event that we were bringing Jesus to that place. I don’t think anyone necessarily brings Jesus in that sense as if Jesus has never worked in that place before!

Reading and studying the Old Testament is both exhilarating and at times confusing! We need to be careful when we read it not to assume that we are always meant to copy the actions of the people we read about. Ezra 8 I think is a good example.

I love my job as a youth worker because young people today are so inquisitive. They also ask some great questions like, ‘Hey Jonny, what’s the deal with God showing favoritism and picking only a select few?”

If you have ever been stuck in traffic while trying to get to an appointment, then you know the feelings that can build up inside of you. For me, it starts with a sense of anxiety which can transition to a sense of anger followed by venting at the people around me to hurry up – as though they could control the accident that is 5 km further ahead on the road.

“Big Brother is watching.” The phrase, from George Orwell’s book, 1984, has become a common slogan in the modern age, and it always has a negative connotation. We don’t want to be watched because we don’t want to be judged. We don’t want to be judged because we know we are guilty.