Category: What do you think?

Hope Found in the Risen Christ

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AMY TURNER

John 20:13 tells of a moment when Mary Magdalene, heartbroken, stood outside Jesus’ empty tomb. When angels asked why she was crying, she explained her sorrow, believing someone had taken Jesus’ body. Earlier that morning, several women had come to the tomb, only to find the stone moved. Mary ran to tell Peter and John, while others remained behind.

In her grief, Mary could not recognise what was happening. Even when Jesus stood before her, she thought he was a gardener. It wasn’t until he spoke her name that she realised it was him. Sorrow had clouded her vision, keeping her from seeing what was right before her.

Many experience times when pain and worry hide the truth from them. But the resurrection reminds us that death and fear no longer hold the final word.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:3

The Reality of Eternal Life and Eternal Punishment

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AMY TURNER

In Matthew 25:46, Jesus explains that some will face eternal punishment while others will receive eternal life. People today rarely speak about heaven or hell. Some even claim that if hell is real, it cannot last forever. Yet Jesus taught that it is eternal, just as eternal life is.

The future after death is not temporary. It will either be everlasting separation from God or everlasting life with Him. Jesus spoke about this truth more than anyone else, making it clear that people should not dismiss His words or reshape them into something easier to accept.

Instead of ignoring this teaching, we are called to take hold of the hope Jesus offers. The choice remains before each person. Will you accept his free gift, or chose to stay in darkness and reject Him?

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6

What is the purpose of The Lord’s Prayer?

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JEFF TURNER

Matthew 6 contains what is often called the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches His followers how to pray. Some believers today repeat these words exactly as written, especially during worship or other formal gatherings. But was that what Jesus wanted?

Looking closely at the passage, it becomes clear that Jesus was not encouraging a repeated script. In fact, just before offering this prayer, He warned against empty, repeated phrases that lack meaning. While memorizing this prayer is helpful, it was never meant to be recited without thought. Instead, it serves as a guide. He even said, “Pray, then, in this way.”

Each part of the prayer points to a larger theme in our relationship with God. It begins by focusing on God’s holiness and His kingdom, then shifts toward daily needs, forgiveness, and protection. Jesus provided a structure that teaches us how to approach God in a thoughtful and balanced way.

Rather than repeating the words, we are meant to build our personal prayers around these ideas.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Walking Safely with the Shepherd

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:3 reminds us that God leads His people in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Like sheep or even dogs, people often wander when left on their own. A dog off its leash will follow its instincts, eating harmful things or running into places where it cannot be rescued. Sheep have the same tendency. Both need the care and guidance of their master to stay safe and close.

In the same way, we need the direction of our Shepherd. The Lord shows us the right way to live, not to take away our freedom but to protect us from harm. When we choose our own way, we often end up in trouble. The path God sets before us may seem narrow, but it leads to life and safety.

His guidance is not only for our well-being but also brings honour to His name.

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

Standing Firm Against a Real Enemy

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JEFF TURNER

The Christian journey is not just a matter of belief; it involves facing a real spiritual enemy. Oure enemy is Satan. According to 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned to stay watchful because the devil is actively looking for someone to harm, like a lion looking for prey. The next verse, 1 Peter 5:9, tells Christians to resist him. But what does that really mean?

Resisting the devil is not about shouting at him or trying to command him directly. Some people believe they can bind or forbid Satan with their words. But that kind of authority belonged to Jesus and the apostles, not to ordinary believers. In Acts 19, even those who tried to imitate that power without truly knowing Christ failed. And, by the way, they suffered for it.

True resistance happens in a different way. It means rejecting the temptations that come from Satan’s influence in the world. It means saying no to sin when it appeals to our human desires. The way to stand firm is by staying strong in God and grounded in His Word.

Believers win the battle not by shouting, but by standing firm in faith and obedience.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10