Exploring the Message of Jesus
A ragtag bunch of hilly-billy fishermen were once under the heel of the mightiest military force in history, the all-conquering Roman Empire. Yet today, we call our sons Peter, James and John … and our dogs, Caesar, Brutus and Nero.
The Message of Jesus turned the early followers of Jesus into a collective flood of self-giving love and good deeds that transformed their world.
In contrast, despite over two billion adherents, Christendom makes little impact on our world today. It may even be argued that what little impact we do have is negative.
This website explores the Message of Jesus attempting…
- to focus on the core aspects of Jesus’ revelation, cutting out the religious clutter in which it is so often enshrouded
- to probe areas largely assumed off limits by religion
My hopes? To encourage followers of Jesus to partner with Jesus in His restoration plan for our world.
We do so fuelled by the unblushing promises of God. For the God of the rainbow and the God of the cross is well able to perfect that which concerns us.
QUICKLINKS
Click a tab to view articles in the series.
THE NATURE OF GOD Article & Video Series
The Father-heart of God
JESUS’ FOREMOST REVELATION
In this article, we look at Jesus’ primary revelation of the nature of God and explore how it informs our relationship with God and shapes our identity as human beings.
The Existence of God
In this video series, we explore the logical and intelligent reasons for confidence in God’s existence.
The Character of God
In this video series, we explore the characteristics of God revealed in the Old Testament’s most quoted passage.
THE KING & HIS KINGDOM Article Series
The Message of Jesus
THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM
In this article, we look at what the Gospel means, how it shaped Jesus’ Message in the first century and the implications for us today.
A Magnanimous Orthodoxy
THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT &
A WITNESS TO THE NATIONS
In this article, we look at the importance of developing a magnanimous orthodoxy that validates and demonstrates the Message of Jesus.
Separation of Church and State
RENDER UNTO CAESAR
In this article, we look at the importance of the separation of church and state and discuss our response to civil authority as witnesses of the Message of Jesus.
The Societal Machine
THE POWER OF A FRAMING NARRATIVE
In this article, we look at the concept of a societal machine and explore the implications of allegiance to Empire and Caesar today.
A Hopeful Eschatology
IMPARTING FAITH NOT FEAR
In this book, we look at why the Gospel of the Kingdom produces a hopeful eschatology, one that imparts faith not fear, stirring catalytic hope not fatalistic despair.
What’s the Big Deal About Heaven?
REDISCOVERING DIVINE HOPE
In this article, we look at the connection between heaven, hope and the coming of Jesus, and why this is so important to the Kingdom of God.
MESSY DOGMA Article Series
What Does Dikaiosune Mean?
THE WORDS WE’VE FUDGED: RIGHTEOUSNESS
In this article, we look at the Greek word dikaiosune and explore how we’ve halved its meaning and cut the heart out of the word.
What Does Ekklesia (Ecclesia) Mean?
THE WORDS WE’VE FUDGED: CHURCH
In this article, we look at the Greek word ekklesia (Latin: ecclesia) and explore why this word was translated “church” and the implications of such a translation.
What Does Aionios Mean?
THE WORDS WE’VE FUDGED: ETERNAL
In this article, we look at the Greek word aionios and explore the implications of incorrectly translating this word “eternal”.
What Does Gehenna Mean?
THE WORDS WE’VE FUDGED: HELL
In this article, we look at the word Gehenna, how the pagan words, Hell and Hades became associated with it, and explore the implications to our views on post-mortem judgement.
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW Article Series
Hebrew Thinking Vs. Greek Thinking
THE WAY GOD THINKS
In this article, we look at the core differences between Hebraic values, which animate the Scriptures, and a Greek mentality that undergirds much of Western thought.
The Beauty & Brilliance of the Scriptures
THE PURPOSE, INSPIRATION & VALUE OF THE BIBLE
In this article, we look at the purpose, inspiration and value of the Scriptures and unwrap its beauty and brilliance while advocating for an approach to the Scriptures in keeping with its intent as a historical narrative.
TOPICAL ARTICLES Article Series
Women in Ministry
& Leadership
WOMEN & MEN: GOD’S ORIGINAL INTENT
In this article, we look at God’s intent for men and women, both His original design and what the New Testament teaches us about the equality of the sexes. We also tackle how Christendom has by and large handled the issue and consider our response today.
Human Hierarchy
& Human Rights
PATRIARCHY, FEMINISM
& GENDER EQUALITY
In this article, we discuss patriarchy and feminism in the broader context of human hierarchies and human rights.
Gender: Social Construct or Biological Fact?
MOVING THROUGH CONFLICT
TO BUILD A HUMANE SOCIETY
In this article, we discuss the word gender and how it has evolved over time to become both a helpful and divisive term. We appeal to each camp and offer suggestions towards proactive conversations and humane solutions.
Gender: Biology, Society or Identity?
WITH TAYLOR & JAMIE
Join two siblings, 17-year-old Taylor and 23-year-old Jamie, as they discuss what gender means. Does it refer to biological sex, a social construct or an innate sense of personal identity?
