December, 2010 (4)

  • Jesus spoke in parables (8:4-18)

    Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables - puzzling, enigmatic stories.  He explained the stories to his disciples when they asked.  But he gave the crowds no explanation.  Why not?  This was Jesus's way of sifting out his true disciples from the rest.  The mark of the elect is that…

  • A Visit to the Mosque

    Recently I spent a happy weekend with my friend Philip and his family.  On the Saturday I preached three times at a conference for pastors and other church leaders.  Sunday afternoon, Philip and I went to the mosque together...