Now Jesus sent out 72 followers two by two saying "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few... I am sending you like lambs among wolves... heal the sick... and shake the dust off your feet when rejected... but "the kingdom of God is near you" should be your message... and judgement will be ruthless like at Sodom for such towns that reject the Gospel. "He who listens to you listens to me"". So the 72 returned from mission with joy and thrilled that evil spirits submitted to them. However Jesus told them not to rejoice about that, but rather that their names are written in heaven. Then Jesus praised God for having revealed the truth to little children and he also rejoiced over his intimate relationship with God the Father. Then Jesus said to the disciples: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see". Jesus was then tested by a legal expert as to "who is my neighbour?" after they had agreed that to inherit eternal life you should love God with everything and love your neighbour as yourself. To answer the query on "neighbour" Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan in which a man was left half dead by robbers on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. A priest came past and ignored the man. Next came a Levite who looked and avoided getting involved too. However then came a Samaritan who took pity on the man, bandaged his wounds, poured in oil and wine, and put him on his donkey and took him to an inn for him to be taken care of. He even paid for his care and promised to pay for any expenses incurred! Who was the neighbour? asked Jesus, and the legal expert replied: "The one who had mercy on him". Jesus then told him: "Go and do likewise". Finally Jesus and the disciples were cared for at Mary and Martha's house. Mary was enthralled by Jesus and sat at his feet listening to him. However Martha complained that Mary wasn't helping her with the work, but Jesus took Mary's side saying she had "chosen what was better".
Friday, 21 August 2026
Luke 9 (résumé): Jesus sends out the 12 + Feeds 5,000
Luke 9 starts telling us that Jesus sent out the 12 with authority to drive out demons, cure diseases and preach the kingdom. They were to take nothing with them for their travels and to shake the dust off their feet if they were rejected. Herod became inquisitive about Jesus as he heard about Jesus's exploits. Jesus then fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fishes after teaching them about the kingdom, and they even collected 12 baskets of left-overs afterwards. Next Jesus asked the disciples who people were saying he was and they answered John the Baptist, Elijah or another of the prophets. "But what about you?" Jesus asked, and Peter said that Jesus was "the Christ of God". Jesus told them to repeat this to nobody, and proceeded to repeat to them that he was going to die and then rise again. And he said that to follow him would demand taking up the cross daily... and that some of them wouldn't die before seeing the kingdom. 8 days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain where his clothes became as bright as lightening and Moses and Elijah appeared. Then a cloud enveloped them and a voice told them to listen to Jesus. Following this a man asked Jesus to heal his son suffering with constant convulsions as the disciples had tried unsuccessfully. Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed him and returned him to his father, before again warning the disciples of his impending betrayal, but they didn't grasp what he was saying. Then the disciples argued about which of them would be the greatest and Jesus said that "he who is least among you is the greatest". Then they told Jesus how they had tried to stop someone driving out a demon because he wasn't a disciple. Jesus stood against this saying he who isn't against us is for us. Then there was a clash in a Samaritan village and Jesus rebuked the disciples' intended aggression against the people. Then a man promised to follow Jesus wherever it takes, but Jesus said "foxes have holes, birds have nests, but the Son of Many has nowhere to lay his head... then Jesus called another man to follow him but he asked for time to bury his father first... so Jesus said let the dead bury the dead". Then Jesus called another to follow him and he asked to go and bid farewell to his family first. Jesus said "no-one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in God's kingdom!"
Sacha's Birthday
Last night we had a family get-together for our youngest daughter Sacha's 40th birthday with her husband Biba and their two daughters Alice and Bia. We took the opportunity to get a photo of us with all 4 of our children and all 9 of our grandchildren. It was a lovely evening together around a light meal.
Yesterday our church band guitar player Rogaciano and his wife Monyque had their first baby which was a lovely little girl called Allana.
Our late EAB supporter Sid Wilder's celebration of his life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, September 11th, at the St John's Church, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 2AL. Sid was 93.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Luke 8 (résumé): The Parable of the Sower & more miracles
Jesus went from place to place proclaiming the Gospel, the 12 were with him and so were some supportive women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna. Then Jesus told the Parable of the Sower to the crowd saying a farmer went out to sow, and some seed fell on the path where the birds ate it (Jesus says the birds represent the devil's opposition to his word), other seed fell on rocky ground and soon withered for lack of roots (Jesus says this represents those who initially accept the Gospel but don't last), further seed fell on thorny land and the thorn choked the plants (Jesus said they represent those who accept the words but then get choked by the pressures of life), and finally seeds fell on good soil which produced much fruit (Jesus says this represents those who receive the word and persevere). After this Jesus says nobody lights a lamp and puts it under a bed. Rather they put it on a stand. So Jesus says that "there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed". Then Mary and the family came to visit Jesus, but couldn't reach him because of the crowd, but when someone told Jesus his family was there he dismissed this saying that his mother and brothers are those who practice God's word. Then Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake in a boat and Jesus dropped off to sleep as he was very tired. However a storm came putting them in danger so they woke Jesus telling him they were going to drown! Jesus immediately calmed the storm and asked the disciples what had happened to their faith? Next Jesus set free a demon-possessed unstoppably-strong man possessed by a "legion" of spirits. These spirits fled into a herd of pigs and killed them! However the man now sat peacefully at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind. Finally a synagogue leader called Jairus asked Jesus to go and cure his 12-year-old daughter, but on the way Jesus got delayed curing a woman who suffered from non-stop bleeding. By the time Jesus got to Jairus's daughter she had died, but Jesus said to him, "don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed". Jesus then said to the girl, "My child, get up! Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up".
Luke 7 (résumé): The Faith of the Centurion
A centurion sent a request for Jesus to heal his servant at a distance because he said that he didn't deserve his presence under his roof. Jesus remarked that he hadn't seen such faith in Israel and he healed the servant. Jesus then raised from the dead the only son of a widow that was passing at Nain in a funeral procession. All the people "were filled with awe and praised God". Then John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the expected one or not, and Jesus answered with his miraculous works rather than with his words. Then Jesus spoke to the crowd about John saying: "This is the one about whom it is written: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you". Then Jesus went and had dinner at a Pharisee's house and "a woman who had lived a sinful life" wet Jesus' feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. The Pharisee was skeptical and thought that if Jesus were a prophet he would realize who was doing these things to him. But Jesus said to him that he who is forgiven most loves the most, and proceeded to say to the woman that her sins were forgiven, and yet said to the woman: "Your faith has saved you; go in peace".
Twenty-five percent
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Luke 6 (résumé): Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus and his disciples were criticized by the Pharisees for having picked some corn when they were hungry on the Sabbath and Jesus pointed out that David had taken similar measures with consecrated bread centuries earlier. Then Jesus healed a man with a shrivelled hand on a Sabbath and answered criticism asking was it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath? Then after a night of prayer Jesus designated the following 12 disciples as apostles: 1) Simon Peter. 2) Andrew. 3) James. 4) John. 5) Philip. 6) Bartholomew. 7) Matthew (Levi). 8) Thomas. 9) James son of Alphaeus. 10) Simon the Zealot. 11) Judas son of James. 12) Judas Iscariot. Then Jesus taught an enormous crowd and healed many saying, "blessed are you who are poor... and you who hunger... and weep... for you will laugh, be satisfied and receive the kingdom of God... and when hated... rejoice because great is your reward in heaven... but woe to the rich... and to those that laugh now... and are spoken well of... for you have received your comfort... and will mourn and weep". Jesus said "love your enemies... bless those who curse you... if someone hits you give the other cheek... do to others what you would have them do to you... lend to your enemies without expecting return... be merciful just as your Father in merciful". "Don't judge and you won't be judged... give and it will be given to you... don't look at the speck in your brother's eye and ignore the plank in your own eye... no good tree bears bad fruit... the good man brings out the good stored in his heart". "Don't call me Lord if you don't put my word into practice... he who builds his house on rock survives the storm... but he who builds without foundation is destined to complete destruction".
Luke 5 (résumé): The Calling of the First Disciple
Jesus taught the people from Simon's borrowed boat, and when he had finished Jesus told Simon to put down the nets in the deep. He shrugged that he would do what was asked, but they'd just worked there all night for nothing! The result was phenomenal with a net-breaking catch which needed extra hands to cope with. Simon Peter fell on his knees saying "Lord, I am a sinful man". Jesus said "don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men"! So Peter, James and John left everything and followed Jesus. Next Jesus healed a man covered with leprosy. One day when Jesus was teaching some men brought a paralytic on a mat for healing, but they couldn't get to Jesus owing to the crowd so they went up on the roof and lowered the man in front of Jesus. When the Lord say their faith he forgave the paralytic his sin which angered the Pharisees as it was a prerogative of God. So Jesus proved his authority healing the man too and people were amazed. Jesus then went on to call tax collector Levi (Matthew) to follow him. When there were complaints about Jesus' friendship and links to publicans Jesus retorted: "It's not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick". Jesus was than questioned as to why his disciples didn't fast. Jesus said that their time for fasting would come, but not whilst they had the bridegroom with them. Things were changing and "new wine must be poured into new wineskins".
Luke 4 (résumé): The Temptation of Jesus
Following his baptism Jesus was temped by the devil to be sidetracked from his divine mission and initially he suggested that Jesus should change stone in to bread to satisfy his intense hunger, but Jesus fired back Bible at Satan saying: "Man does not live on bread alone". The devil then showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world from a high vantage point and offered them all to Jesus (without suffering) is he would worship him. Jesus replied: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only". Finally the devil challenged Jesus to jump off a high spot and trust God! Jesus reacted: "Don't put the Lord your God to the test!" Jesus then went teaching in the synagogues of Galilee and he read Isaiah 61:1-2 saying the Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach the Gospel... and Jesus said that that day this scripture had been fulfilled. Jesus then clearly pointed to the Gospel being for the gentiles referring to the widow in Zarepath and Naaman the Syrian and this infuriated the people and they wanted to push him from a cliff, but he got away. Jesus then set free a demon possessed man in a synagogue and amazed the people. He than healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law and healed many other people. Then Jesus "kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea".
Luke 3 (résumé): John the Baptist prepares the way
John the Baptist "went preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" and Luke quotes Isaiah 40:3-5 linked to this saying "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him". John called the crowds coming to him: "You brood of vipers... produce fruit in keeping with repentance... every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and burnt". John told them to share what they have with others... tax collectors do it correctly... soldiers don't extort money from people. Then John said, "I baptize with water... but one is coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit... and John preached the Gospel"! However John was thrown into jail because he had rebuked Herod for having an affair with his brother's wife. But prior to this Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove and God confirmed Jesus as his son in whom he was well pleased, and Jesus commenced his ministry at the age of 30. Finally Luke presents a genealogy of Jesus back through David and Abraham to Adam showing his fully human roots.
Lucas 2 (résumé): The Birth of Jesus
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to comply with census requirements, and there Mary gave birth to her first son whom she "placed in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn". Then angels appeared to nearby shepherds watching over their flocks at night and announced the birth of the Saviour. They sang "glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men". The shepherds went to Bethlehem and saw Jesus lying in a manger and they praised and glorified God. Then at 8-days-old Jesus was circumcised and officially named Jesus, and they offered a pair of doves as a sacrifice. A devout man named Simeon took Jesus in his arms and declared "my eyes have seen your salvation... a light for the gentiles and for glory to Israel". Also an old prophetess named Ana "gave thanks to God... and spoke about the redemption of Jerusalem" and then Joseph, Mary and Jesus went to Nazareth where Jesus grew in wisdom and in grace. Then when he was 12-years-old Jesus went to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem and Jesus' parents lost track of him until they found him in the temple courts listening to the teachers and asking them questions. When his parents complained about his disappearance Jesus replied: "Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" Back in Nazareth "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature".
Men's Fellowship
Last night both Philip and I took part in the weekly men's fellowship meeting which was held at our school on the south side of Patos where we are seeking to establish a second Patos church. We had a very interesting speaker talking about the dangers of excessive mobile phone usage. It was encouraging to see 2 men taking part from the local community of Jatobá. The meeting was led by the chief of the chief's of Police and Deacon Esaú. There were a good number present and it was a blessing.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Luke 1 (résumé): The Birth of Jesus and John the Baptist foretold
Luke starts Luke 1 stating that he had "carefully investigated" matters so that Theophilus could "know the certainty of the things he had been taught". An angel of the Lord told priest Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would have a son whom they should name John, who will minister "in the spirit and power of Elijah... to make ready a people prepared for the Lord". However John doubted this as they were advanced in years and without children, so Zechariah was struck dumb for his unbelief, but his wife did become pregnant. After this the angel Gabriel went to a virgin called Mary and told her that she was going to have a son who should be called Jesus and who will reign over the house of Jacob forever... and all this will be by the power of the Holy Spirit... and he will be the Son of God... for nothing is impossible for God. Mary went and visited her relative Elizabeth and her baby John leapt in her womb and she blessed Mary. Then Mary sang: "My soul praises the Lord... for he has been mindful of my humble state... the Mighty One has done great things for me... he has performed mighty deeds... he has filled the hungry with good things... he has helped his servant Israel". So Mary stayed for 3 months at Elizabeth's. Then the time came for John the Baptist to be born whom family members wanted to name after his father, but through Elizabeth's insistence and Zechariah's confirmation their son was named John, and immediately his voice returned as he praised God. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord... because he has come and redeemed his people... he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David... to remember his holy covenant... to rescue us... and to enable us to serve him... and you my child will be called a prophet... and you will prepare the way for the Lord... to give the people the knowledge of salvation... to shine on those living in darkness". And John the Baptist grew, became strong in spirit and lived in the desert".
Another Gospel finished
I have now completed my writing of the synthesis of Mark's Gospel meaning that I have finished 973 chapters of the Bible, 41 books, and 82% of scripture. Now it's on to Luke which is the largest book in the New Testament in number of words and verses, though not in the total number of Chapters. Luke also wrote the Book of Acts which I have yet to cover.
Mark 16 (résumé): The Resurrection
On the Sunday morning after the crucifixion bright and early 3 women went to the tomb where they saw that the large stone had been rolled away from the entrance and they saw a white-robed young man sitting inside. He told the women not to be alarmed because Jesus had risen from the dead, so he told them to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee, and the women fled trembling and bewildered!
(The final part of Mark 16 from verses 9-16 is not in the most reliable early manuscripts)
When the disciples heard that Jesus was alive they didn't believe it. Then Jesus appeared to 2 on a country road, but when they told the disciples they didn't believe them either, so when Jesus appeared to them eating later on he rebuked their lack of belief. Then Jesus said to the disciples: "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.... and signs will follow your ministry such as the driving out of demons and speaking in new tongues... and picking up deadly snakes and being unharmed when drinking poison... and healing the sick". Then Jesus was taken into heaven and the disciples went out preaching with signs following.
Monday, 17 August 2026
Mark 15 (résumé): Jesus before Pilate + the Crucifixion
"The Sanhedrin turned Jesus over to Pilate... he asked are you the king of the Jews and Jesus answered yes... so Pilate gave the people a choice of a popular release of a prisoner between Jesus and criminal Barabbas and the people chose to have Barabbas released and Jesus crucified... then the soldiers led him away and put a crown of thorns on his head... saying hail, king of the Jews... and mocking him... and they took Jesus to Golgotha where they crucified him together with 2 robbers... and everyone mocked Jesus saying he saved others but can't save himself... and between the 6th and 9th hour there was a total eclipse of the sun at the end of which Jesus asked God why he had forsaken him?... then with a loud cry Jesus breathed his last... and the temple veil was torn from top to bottom... and the nearby centurion said surely this man was the son of God... and many women watched at a distance... and Pilate gave Jesus' body for burial to Joseph of Arimathea... and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb where he buried Jesus... and Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid".
Mark 14 (résumé): Jesus anointed at Bethany and the Lord's Supper
Mark 14 relates how in Bethany a woman poured lots of expensive perfume on Jesus' head much to the criticism of the disciples for "wasting money which could have gone to the poor". However Jesus halted the criticism saying she was in fact preparing him for his burial and her beautiful gesture would always be remembered. Then Judas Iscariot agreed betrayal terms for Jesus with the chief priests! Next Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with the disciples and Jesus predicted his betrayal by one of the 12. Then Jesus broke bread and said: "Take it, this is my body". He then shared the cup saying, "this is the blood of the covenant which is poured out for many". Then they sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus predicted the falling away of all the disciples, but Peter swore allegiance which Jesus contradicted saying Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed twice. Then they went to Gethsemane where Jesus went to pray having Peter, James and John near at hand. Jesus battled with the stress of his imminent death and prayed that "if possible the hour might pass from him". 3 times Jesus withdrew for agonizing prayer only to find the disciples sleeping on his return. Then Judas appeared with a motley crowd to arrest Jesus and Judas kissed Jesus as the sign to the mob that he was the one they wanted. They took Jesus before the Sanhedrin but the witnesses against him didn't agree. The High Priest asked if Jesus was the Christ and he said "I am". "They all condemned his as worthy of death". They spat on Jesus and punched him, and then the guards took him and beat him. Peter, meanwhile, was below in the courtyard and 3 times he was questioned as to his links with Jesus which he denied... then the cock crowed twice... and Peter broke down and wept.
Mark 13 (résumé): Signs of the End of the Age
Then Jesus said of the temple that "not one stone would be left on another". When, asked by some of the disciples, what will be the signs of this happening? Jesus told them to watch out for fraudsters... and "there will be wars and rumours of war... earthquakes and famines... be on your guard... you will be flogged in the synagogues... you will stand before governors and kings... and the Holy Spirit will give you what to say... brother will betray brother... all men will hate you because of me... when you see the abomination of desolation flee to the mountains... it will be dreadful for pregnant women... there will be days of unequalled distress... and if the Lord didn't cut short those days then nobody would survive... false Christs and prophets will appear... and the sun will be darkened and the stars fall... then men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory... and he will gather the elect from the four winds... learn the lesson of the fig tree and know that summer is near when the twigs are tender and the leaves appear... and this generation won't pass until these things have happened... no one knows the day or the hour... be alert... keep watch... for you don't know at what time the owner of the house will return... so don't let him find you sleeping!
Mark 12 (résumé): The Parable of the Tenants
With the Parable of the Tenants a landowner rented out his vineyard and at harvest time he sent servants to receive his part of the fruit, but the tenants beat them up! This sorry scene was repeated many times so the landowner decided to send his own son as he felt surely they would respect him... but they killed him! So the owner of the vineyard, said Jesus will kill the tenants for: "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone!" Then the Pharisees and Herodians sought to trap Jesus on the question of tax asking if we should pay tax? Jesus said "give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's". Then came a question from the Sadducees about what would happen to a woman in eternity who had had 7 husbands. "Whose wife would she be at the resurrection?" Jesus replied none of them, because in eternity "we will be like the angels". Next came a question from a teacher of the law concerning the most important commandment which was to love God with everything, said Jesus, and love your neighbour as yourself. Then Jesus pointed out that David declared in Psalm 110:1 "The Lord said to my Lord... how then can he be his son?" So Jesus is asking how the Messiah can be merely David's son when David himself calls him his Lord? Finally Jesus talked about offerings at the temple. A poor widow gave 2 coins which was all she had and so gave proportionally more than the rich that gave out of their wealth.
Mark 11 (résumé): The Triumphal Entry
In Mark 11 Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a young colt, and many people cast cloaks and branches on the road before him and cried out: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Then Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree before clearing the temple of money changers and salespeople saying: "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves". Then Jesus taught on prayer saying, "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours". Then the chief priests questioned Jesus' authority so Jesus asked whether John the Baptist's authority had been heaven or men? The priests refused to answer so Jesus said he wouldn't answer their question either concerning his authority!
Mark 10 (résumé): Divorce, children etc.
Once again Jesus teaches on the matter of divorce in Mark 10. Jesus says that Moses' permission for divorce "was because your hearts were hard" and that any divorcee commits adultery if they remarry. Then the disciples rebuked people for bringing children for Jesus' blessing, but Jesus was fine with the children and told the disciples not to hinder them "because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these... and then he took the children in his arms and blessed them". Then a rich young man asked what to do to inherit eternal life? Jesus referred him to obedience to the law, which the man assured him he kept. Then Jesus told him to sell his goods and give to the poor which left the man sad as he was wealthy. So Jesus commented about how hard it was for the rich to enter the kingdom of God... but all things are possible with God... and all those that have left all for Jesus, like the disciples, will receive a hundred times in this life plus eternal life. Jesus then again tells the disciples of his imminent betrayal, condemnation, killing and resurrection. Following this James and John asked to sit either side of Jesus in glory, but Jesus said this wasn't up to him and anyway "whoever wants to become first must be slave of all". Then Jesus went to Jericho where he healed Blind Bartimaeus telling him that his faith had healed him, so Bartimaeus started following Jesus.
Mark 9 (résumé): The Transfiguration
Mark 9 commences with Jesus stating that some there present wouldn't die before seeing the Kingdom of God coming with power (which is probably a reference to the transfiguration or resurrection). Then Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain and his clothes became dazzling white and Elijah and Moses appeared there. Then a cloud enveloped them and God the Father said, "This is my son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Jesus told them to say nothing about their experience till after the resurrection. They asked Jesus about Elijah coming first, and Jesus said that had already happened. Then a boy was brought to Jesus with a deaf and dumb spirit whom the disciples had been unsuccessful in healing because Jesus said it needed more prayer. The boy's father asked Jesus if he could do anything? Jesus answered that "everything is possible for him who believes"... and the boy's father said "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief". Then Jesus healed the boy convulsing the boy in the process. At Capernaum Jesus perceived that the disciples were discussing who was the greatest, and Jesus said that to be the first you need to be the servant of all... and care for the little children. Then John told Jesus that the disciples had told a non-disciple to stop casting out demons, but Jesus told them not to do that because "whoever is not against us is for us". Jesus then reprimanded anyone who caused another to sin saying they should always take strong measures to avoid sin or to avoid causing others to sin, seeking always to "be at peace with each other".
Half-way
I am now half-way through the Gospel of Mark with a synthesis of 8 of its 16 chapters done. Chapter 8 is a watershed one with Peter's confession in John 8:29. Now we go on to the transfiguration, triumphal entry into Jerusalem, The Lord's supper, Gethsemane, the crucifixion and resurrection.
Last night I led the main service in Patos and Pastor Murilo preached very well on "An Anchor for the Soul" (Hebrews 6:19). The sermon brought back to me the old hymn we used to sing at Peniel Chapel when I was a child: "We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure when the billows roll". A beautiful song! 🙌
Pastor Rafael was preaching in Imaculada.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Mark 8 (résumé): Jesus feed 4,000
Jesus had been teaching a crowd of 4,000 men for 3 days and had compassion on their hunger multiplying 7 loaves and some small fish to feed them (with fish sandwiches like at McDonald's!) There were 7 basketfuls left over at the end. Jesus went on to warn saying: "Be careful... watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod". Jesus then questioned if they were understanding his message and asked how many basket's were left over after the feeding of the 5,000. They answered "twelve", and after the 4,000?, and they said "seven". (i.e. don't worry about bread because Jesus will provide is the message!) Then comes an interesting healing of a blind man. Jesus spat on his eyes and laid hands on him. However the man was initially only partially healed, so Jesus laid hands on him again and his sight was fully restored. Jesus then asked the disciples whom people were saying he was, and they said Elijah, John the Baptist or one of the prophets. "But what about you... what do you say?... and Peter answered You are the Christ". Jesus then warned them not to tell everyone. Jesus, in the light of Peter's confession, told them that he would be killed and after 3 days rise again. Peter rebuked this so Jesus told him that he was lacking having the things of God in mind. Then he said that anyone who wanted to follow him should deny himself and take up his cross.
Mark 7 (résumé): Clean & Unclean
Now the Pharisees complain that Jesus' disciples are eating without ceremonially washing their hands. Jesus replied: "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men". For "Nothing outside a man can make him unclean by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean... All evils (sexual immorality, evil thoughts, theft, murder, greed etc.) come from within and make a man unclean". Then came an incident with a Greek woman imploring deliverance for her devil-possessed daughter. Jesus said, "first let the children (Jews) eat what they want and not toss it to the dogs (Gentiles)". The woman said yes, but the dogs eat the crumbs from under the table! This brilliant answer triggered action from Jesus and she was set free of the demon. Finally the people brought a deaf and partially dumb man to Jesus. Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears and spat on the man's tongue and touched it, saying "Be opened"! The man was completely healed.
Mark 6 (résumé): A Prophet without honour
Jesus went to Nazareth with his disciples and the people were "amazed" by his teaching as they all knew his family well. Jesus commented "that among his relatives a prophet is without honour". Then Jesus sent out the 12 to teach from village to village taking virtually nothing with them, but to trust God. They preached repentance, drove out demons and healed the sick. When King Herod heard about all Jesus was doing he thought it was John the Baptist raised from the dead. For Herod had been tricked into beheading John after having made a rash promise to the daughter of Herodias. Then Jesus performed another miracle feeding 5,000 men from 5 loaves and 2 fish, and there were still 12 baskets of food left over. Jesus then went for a time of prayer alone whilst the disciples went ahead in a boat. Then Jesus caught up with them walking on the water, but they thought it was a ghost! Jesus then said: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid".
Mark 5 (résumé): Healings
Jesus went to the Gerasenes region and was encountered by a spirit-possessed man who lived in the tombs and was unchainable. He told Jesus his name "Legion" but Jesus delivered him and sent the evil spirits from him into a herd of 2,000 pigs which committed suicide, but the man ended up "sitting, dressed and in his right mind". Then a synagogue ruler called Jairus asked Jesus to go with him to heal his 12-year-old daughter, but on the way he was delayed healing a woman "who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years". The woman touched the hem of Jesus' garment and received her healing. When Jesus finally arrived at Jairus's house his daughter had already died, but Jesus said to him: "Don't be afraid. Just believe!" Then Jesus took the girl by the hand and told her to "get up". Immediately she got up and walked around so that people "were completely astonished".
Mark 4 (résumé): Parables
Mark 4 begins with the Parable of the Sower in which a farmer sowed seeds in 4 different locations. In the first the seed fell on a path and birds came and ate it (the birds, represent Satan, says Jesus, who takes away the seed of the sown word); the second place the seed fell was on rocky soil so the plants had no roots and quickly withered (represents people who receive the word with joy, says Jesus, but without roots they soon give up); The third place the seed fell was among thorns which choked the plants (typifies people who receive the word but the care and wealth of this life choke it); the fourth place is good soil which produces abundant fruit. Then Jesus goes on to ask who puts a lamp under the bed? For light is given to reveal that which is hidden... "and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more!" Then comes the Parable of the Growing Seed telling of seed which grows come what may implying that the seed of the kingdom will produce fruit no matter what. This is followed by the Parable of the Mustard Seed "which is the smallest seed" yet planted "it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants". Finally Jesus calms a storm for the disciples in a boat on Lake Galilee and they were amazed that "even the wind and waves obey him!"
Hospital visit
Yesterday Liz and I visited Pastor Nezinho Abílio (Vazante church) in the Patos Cancer Hospital where he underwent an exploratory operation to see what and how can be done for his stomach cancer as they couldn't tell via MRI. He now awaits the results. Please pray.
QPR are now in top place in the Championship having beaten Portsmouth 3 x 1 away! This means that if this were May 2027 QPR would be about to play Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premiership! The only problem is is that it's still August 2026! 😃
Last night I was on the way to preach at Green Pastures when I had 2 incidents which meant I ended up not making it. First of all a motorbike came at me head-on driving on my side of the road and I had to swerve abruptly to avoid collision. Then the jeep started spluttering and failing so I came home and will get the vehicle fixed this week.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Mark 3 (résumé): Healings, crowds and the appointing of the Apostles
The chapter starts with Jesus healing a man with a shrivelled hand in a synagogue on a Sabbath causing the usual consternation with the Pharisees. Jesus retorted asking whether he should do good or evil on a Sabbath, but the Jews didn't answer. This angered Jesus to see such stubborn hearts. Crowds kept following Jesus from wide-ranging places seeking at least to touch Jesus to be healed, and evil spirits always fell down before Jesus declaring he was the Son of God, but Jesus told them to shut up. Then Jesus went up into the hills where he designated 12 apostles: 1. Simon (whom Jesus gave the name Peter). 2. James son of Zebedee. 3. His brother John. (Jesus called these 2 Boanerges - sons of thunder). 4. Andrew. 5. Philip. 6. Bartholomew. 7. Matthew (Levi). 8. Thomas. 9. James son of Alphaeus. 10. Thaddaeus. 11. Simon the Zealot. 12. Judas Iscariot. Then Jesus was so besieged by a crowd that Jesus and the disciples couldn't even eat, and Jesus' family said he "was out of his mind". Teachers of the law said he was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub! Jesus rebuffed this saying "how can Satan drive out Satan"? He rebuked them for such aggressive criticism saying "whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven". Then came further contact between Jesus and his family, but Jesus showed his supreme commitment to his mission saying: "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother".
Market Garden
A new Market Garden Project has been started in the Escorregada Community in the Municipality of Princesa Isabel led by Reginaldo and Elane. As part of the project work has been done to improve their well and a large water tank was donated to enable drip irrigation. Also donated were 2,000 metres of hosepipe for irrigation and 360 metres of piping to improve water supply. Added to this were donated many valves and fittings plus Guava and Mango tree seedlings to add to the Paw-paw trees already existent. The project is progressing well and improving the people's income considerably.
We are starting a church plant at a new town called Santa Teresinha 20 km west of Patos on a tarmac road. We tried to establish a work there years ago when Frank Dyer was still alive, but it didn't develop. Now we are starting again with a work led by Edilson and Rosangela. There were about 14 in the service there this week. Please pray for this new work.
Friday, 14 August 2026
Mark 2 (résumé): Jesus heals a Paralytic
Jesus now returned to Capernaum and preached the word to a large crowd which filled the house to overflowing. There 4 men brought a paralytic to be healed by Jesus, but as they couldn't access him they made an opening in the roof and lowered the man in front of the Lord. Seeing their faith Jesus forgave the paralytic's sin which provoked calls of "blasphemy" from the "teachers of the law". To answer them Jesus proceeded to prove his authority to forgive sins by healing the man, and the man walked out of the house carrying his mat to the amazement of all! Then Jesus called a tax collector called Levi (or Matthew) to follow him and he did so. Jesus had a meal at Levi's house which drew criticism from the Pharisees, but Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners". They some people questioned why Jesus' disciples didn't fast when John's and the Pharisees' did. Jesus said that there is no way that the guests of the bridegroom would fast whilst he was with them, but there would be a time when he would be taken away and then they would fast. He said things were changing and "no-one pours new wine into old wineskins". Finally the Pharisees criticized the disciples for having picked corn and eaten it on the sabbath because they were hungry. Jesus said David had done a similar thing under similar circumstances. Jesus said: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath".
Rita Macena
I conducted a funeral service this morning of 61-year-old Rita Macena who was blind and fighting cancer for a number of years. Rita sang in our praise and worship team for a long time and had been with us at the carnival camp at Green Pastures in February. She left 5 children and 5 grandchildren. She died yesterday and the pre-funeral wake was also held in our church as well as the funeral itself. Please pray for the family. 🙏
At the wake yesterday I met 2 men I baptized in 1982! One brother whom I hadn't seen for decades came up to me and thanked me for baptizing him! Then another brother with him said, "he baptized me too!" It was great to chat and see how both of them are still going on for God!
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Soup Run
Last night our excellent Soup Run Team went out in the Kombi distributing a gigantic cauldron of nutritive chicken and vegetable soup to a very poor borough on the outskirts of Patos called 'Cangote do Urubu' (The Vulture's Neck). The team had made and cooked the soup in Ivy Dyer's Mum's Kitchen in the Care Centre in the afternoon and it was gratefully and joyfully received by all who queued up for the feast. They all received Gospel tracts too. We are proud to do all we do for Jesus!
I have finished writing my synopsis of the Book of Matthew with its 28 chapters. This means I have completed 40 Bible books, 957 chapters, and 80.5% of the Bible. Now on to the 16 chapters of Mark!
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Mark 1 (résumé): Jesus is the Son of God
Mark's Gospel is the shortest gospel and from the start points to Jesus being the Son of God. Initially Mark tells about John the Baptist's ministry preparing the way for Jesus preaching repentance. "I baptize you with water but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit". Then comes the baptism of Jesus by John in the River Jordan where the Spirit descended on Jesus "like a dove... and a voice from heaven confirmed Jesus' sonship". Then the Spirit sent Jesus for a 40-day spell in the desert where he was tempted by Satan "and angels attended him". John was put in prison but Jesus went to Galilee "proclaiming the good news of God... the kingdom of God is near". He then called 2 fishermen, Simon and Andrew, to follow him and immediately they "left their nets and followed him". Jesus then called James and John who also followed him. Jesus went to teach in Capernaum and people were impressed by his authority. Then a man with an evil spirit cried out and Jesus exorcised him much to the amazement of all. Jesus then went on to heal Simon Peter's mother-in-law as well as other sick people and demon-possessed people. Jesus got up very early to pray before going round the villages of Galilee preaching and driving out demons. Jesus then healed someone with leprosy and the man spread the news everywhere even though Jesus asked him not to.
Matthew 28 (résumé): The Resurrection & Great Commission
At dawn on Sunday morning after the crucifixion Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb. Then there was an earthquake as an angel came down, rolled back the stone and sat on it. The angel told the women not to be afraid, that Jesus was not there but had risen from the dead as he said he would. So the women raced to tell the disciples and on the way met Jesus! The chief priests paid the guards to say that the disciples had stolen the body. However the 11 disciples went to Galilee, and met and worshipped Jesus, but some doubted. Then Jesus said that "he had all authority in heaven and on earth... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit... and I will be with you always".
Matthew 27 (résumé): Th Death & Burial of Jesus
Judas was filled with remorse when he saw Jesus condemned to death so "he threw the 30 silver coins back into the temple and went and hanged himself". Then Jesus was brought before the governor Pilate who asked him if he was the king of the Jew and he answered yes. Then Pilate organized his customary Feast prisoner release offering the crowd a choice between a notorious prisoner Barabbas and Jesus and the high priests got the crowd to root for Barabbas! So Pilate washed his hands of the case and "he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified". Then the Roman soldiers mocked Jesus as the king of the Jews putting a crown of thorns on his head. They spat on him and hit him before leading him to be crucified, and having crucified him they divided up his clothes by casting lots, and 2 robbers were crucified each side of him. Jesus was mocked by everyone saying, "If you are the son of God come down from the cross!" Then everything became dark from the 6th to 9th hour and at the end of this period "Jesus cried out, My God why have you forsaken me?... and then he gave up his spirit... and the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom... and the earth shook... and many were raised from the dead... and when the centurion guarding Jesus witnessed everything he said Surely he was the Son of God". Then Joseph of Arimathea received the body via Pilate and placed it in his own new tomb and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were near at hand. The tomb was made secure and sealed by the guard.
Matthew 26 (résumé): Two Days from the Passover
Matthew 26 brings us into the final days of Jesus' life with "the Passover just two days away" as the Lord prepares his disciples for what is to come as the chief priests and elders plotted intensely against Jesus. Then at Bethany Jesus was anointed with very expensive perfume which a woman poured on his head. Jesus refuted the disciples' criticism that it was a waste of money saying "she did it to prepare me for burial". Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and did a deal to hand Jesus over to them for 30 silver coins. Then on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread Jesus and the disciples began preparations for the Passover, and that evening Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me... but woe to the man who betrays the Son of Man... it would have been better for him not to have been born". Judas said, "It can't be me... and Jesus answered yes it is you". Then Jesus broke the bread and said: "Take and eat; this is my body... then he took the cup and said this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins". Then Jesus told the disciples that he would go ahead of them into Galilee after he had risen. Peter pledged allegiance but Jesus predicted he would disown him 3 times before the cock crowed. Then Jesus went with his disciples to Gethsemane where he prayed alone saying "Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me, but your will be done". When he returned to his disciples that were all asleep. Jesus prayed the same prayer 3 times. Then Judas arrived with an armed crowd and he kissed Jesus to point to them which one Jesus was for them to arrest him, and they seized Jesus, and "all the disciples deserted him and fled". Jesus was then taken before Caiaphas the High Priest and asked him if he was the Christ? "Yes it is as you say, Jesus replied". They then accused Jesus of blasphemy "worthy of death... and they spat in his face and struck him with their fists". Peter was nearby and three times his link to Jesus was questioned and he swore to them: "I don't know the man!" Immediately the cock crowed so "he wept bitterly".
Matthew 25 (résumé): More Parables
Matthew 25 starts with the parable of the 10 virgins who awaited a bridegroom at an evening wedding. The 5 foolish virgins took no spare oil for their lamps but the wise ones did. At midnight the bridegroom arrived but the foolish virgins' lamps were running out of oil so they went to buy some more and missed the bridegroom's arrival, the wise went in and the door was shut. "Therefore keep watch", concluded Jesus, "because you do not know the day or the hour". Next came the parable of the talents where a man went on a journey and left 8 talents invested through 3 servants, with one receiving 5 talents, the second receiving 2 talents and the third receiving 1. When he returned the first 2 had doubled their talents, but the one with only 1 talent just buried his talent and earned nothing. He was punished and thrown "into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth", but the other two were rewarded and shared their master's happiness. Moral of the story: don't bury your talent but use it and invest it in the kingdom of God! Finally Jesus envisages himself judging people by how they lived classifying some as sheep and the others as goats. He blessed the sheep because they had fed the hungry, watered the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the needy, and visited the sick and those in prison. Jesus then said that such action was in keeping with his kingdom and so it was as if they had done it for him! The goats failed however in all the points of service and compassion and so they received eternal punishment, whereas the sheep received eternal life.
Matthew 24 (résumé): Signs of the end of the age
Matthew 24 brings end time teaching from Jesus about the destruction of Jerusalem, his future second coming and the end of the age. This chapter is often called the 'Olivet Discourse' because it contains Jesus' teaching given on the Mount of Olives. Initially Jesus predicts the total destruction of the temple where "not one stone will be left on another". The disciples then asked about "the sign of Jesus' coming and the end of the age?" Jesus says there will appear false prophets who "will deceive many". He also prophesies "wars and rumours of wars" and "famines and earthquakes". Jesus also predicts persecution of believers who will "be persecuted and put to death", and of "many who will turn away from the faith". He says that "because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold... but who stands firm will be saved... and the Gospel will be preached to all nations". Next the text prophesies a period of great suffering in the Great Tribulation linked to "the abomination that causes desolation (see Daniel 9:27, 11:31 & 12:11) in the holy place... and there will be great distress unequalled from the beginning of the world... but for the elect's sake the period will be cut short". Jesus also warns about very convincing false Christs that will appear at this time. But "the son of man will come on the clouds with power and great glory" after the great tribulation. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away". So Jesus says that when the signs of his second coming appear so everyone should be prepared because two men will be together with one taken and the other left behind and the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour. And "it will be good for the master to find the servant doing the work when he comes", but the complacent will be judged accordingly.
Matthew 23 (résumé): Seven Woes
Jesus starts Matthew 23 warning against hypocrisy because the Pharisees and teachers of the law "do not practice what they preach... everything they do they do for men to see.... but the greatest among you will be your servant... whoever humbles himself will be exalted". Then Jesus goes into 7 woes. The first is that the teachers and Pharisees "shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces". The second woe is that they go to any length to get a convert and this only makes him far worse and "as much a son of hell as you are". The third woe condemns the manipulating of oaths and "if anyone swears by the gold of the temple" it is binding, but if it is just the temple it's not! The fourth woe condemns the meticulous obedience of tithing but the neglect of more important matters such as "justice and mercy... you blind guides who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!" The fifth woe condemns external cleanliness whilst neglecting "greed and self-indulgence". The sixth woe also condemns outward shows of "whitewashed tombs" covering up for inward uncleanness. The seventh woe condemns the honouring of ancient prophets whilst ignoring modern day servants of God. "You snakes! How will you escape hell?" For you will even "crucify" those sent as messengers from God. Jesus then closes the chapter lamenting "Jerusalem... who kills the prophets" when I "longed to gather your children like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings!
Imaculada
Last night Liz and I made the one and a half hour journey up the mountain to Imaculada to hold a church business meeting which decided that Pastor João George will no longer lead the church. The meeting went off peacefully and we got home a little after 10 pm.
Philip went to São Mamede with the men's fellowship and took part in the street service there in both word and song. A good little crowd gathered to hear the Gospel.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Matthew 22 (résumé): The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
Matthew 22 starts with the Parable of the Wedding Banquet in which a king prepares a wedding banquet for his son. This Jesus compares to the kingdom of heaven with the invited guests refusing to come to the banquet so random people were called to make up the number "and so the wedding hall was filled with guests". However one guest was "not wearing wedding clothes" so he was tied "hand and foot" and thrown out! "For many are called but few are chosen!" (or as Jean-Jacques Zbinden used to say: "many are cold but few are frozen!")
Then the Pharisees tried to catch Jesus over whether people should pay tax to Caesar or not? Jesus stumped them with a brilliant and famous answer: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what us God's!" After this the Sadducees questioned the matter of marriage in eternity by presenting a hypothetical case of a woman of multiple marriages asking who would be her husband in eternity? Jesus replied that "at the resurrection people will neither marry or be given in marriage; they will be like the angels". Then they asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment and Jesus replied that it was love God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself. Finally Jesus asked the Pharisees who the Christ would be the son of? They answer the son of David. So Jesus asks how can the answer just be David's son if Psalm 110 sees the Messiah being called Lord?
Another earthquake
Yesterday a further earthquake occurred in another of Brazil's South American neighbours. After the recent occurrences in Venezuela yesterday saw a 7.4 earthquake in western Columbia. The death toll thus far is 224 with 2,700 missing.
Last night Philip and Gylmara went to a rural service at Nega and Netinho's farmstead and it was blessed of God. Philip preached the Gospel there.
Last night Liz and I had a meeting with Caetano and Dedé about the progress of the building of the new church at Ipueira which is going well, and we planned the next stages of the work.
I have now completed 3/4 of Matthew's 28 chapters so 7 more to go.
Monday, 10 August 2026
Matthew 21 (résumé): The Triumphal Entry
Matthew 20 (résumé): The parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20 starts with the Parable of the workers in the vineyard who were employed at different times in the day but all received the same wage independent of hours worked. Those who worked longer hours moaned and grumbled but the owner said he could do what he liked with his money. So God's grace is given to each one independent of human merit. God gives freely according to his goodness. Then Jesus again predicts his coming betrayal, condemnation, crucification and resurrection. Then Zebedee's wife asked for a privileged place for her sons in Jesus kingdom. Jesus questioned whether they could drink the cup he was going to drink, and anyway the pathway to progress in the kingdom was service. For "the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many".
Matthew 19 (résumé): Divorce
The Pharisees asked Jesus if divorce was alright for any reason? Jesus said that divorce was not God's perfect will, but that he had permitted it because of man's hardness of heart. But "anyone that divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery". Then little children were brought to Jesus for a blessing, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. However Jesus said "let the little children come to me because of such is the kingdom of heaven". Finally a rich young man came to Jesus and enquired as to how he could get eternal life? Obey the commandments was Jesus' answer and the man said he did that, so what else did he lack? Jesus said go sell your possessions and give to the poor. The young man withdrew sad because he was very wealthy. Jesus then commented how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God... "but with God all things are possible". And at the end times God will especially reward a hundred-fold those who left family and belongings for his sake and give them eternal life. "But the first will be last and the last will be first".
Matthew 18 (résumé): More parables
Matthew 18 starts with a question by the disciples as to "who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven"? Jesus said it was someone who was as humble as a child because greatness in the kingdom stemmed from humility and not from wealth or status. Jesus then told the parable of the lost sheep expressing the joy the owner has upon finding a sheep that got lost. "In the same way your father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost". Then Jesus gives a formula for dealing with a fellow believers who sin: go and talk to him, but if he will not listen go with somebody else, but if he still will not change then take it before the church, and if he still remains immovable then excommunicate him. Jesus promises to be with them throughout the process: "where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them". Finally Peter asks how many times should he forgive a brother in sin as if 7 times would be right? Jesus answers that seventy-seven times would be better. And from here Jesus went into the parable of the unmerciful servant. A servant's master forgave him a massive debt, but he himself went on to meet up with a fellow-servant who owed him a pittance, but he refused to forgive him! When the master realized what had happened he threw the unforgiving servant into jail and Jesus said: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart".
Matthew 17 (résumé): The Transfiguration
The first part of Matthew 17 relates the extraordinary experience of the transfiguration when Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a high mountain where "his face shone like the sun... and his clothes became as white as the light... and Moses and Elijah joined them and talked with Jesus... then a bright cloud enveloped them and a voice from the cloud said 'This is my son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him'!" Then they came down from the mountain and a man with an epileptic son brought him to Jesus and he healed him. The disciples questioned why they had earlier not been successful in healing the boy and he says it was lack of faith. Jesus then told them that he would be betrayed, be killed but rise again on the third day. Finally it was questioned whether Jesus paid the temple tax and he did, not because he had to as son of God, but so as to not cause unnecessary offence. So they caught a fish which had a 4-dracma coin in its mouth which was the right amount to pay Jesus' tax and that of Peter.
Matthew 16 (résumé): Peter's confession of Christ
This chapter is a watershed in Jesus' ministry pointing to his death and resurrection and the strong demands linked to following the Lord. Initially Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and Sadducees for asking for a sign when they are incapable of interpreting the signs of the times which will culminate in "the sign of Jonah". Next Jesus says: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees". Initially the disciples think Jesus is referring to that "we didn't bring any bread" but later they realized that he was warning against the false teaching of these groups. Then Jesus asks his disciples who people are saying he is and they tell him: "John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets". So Jesus asks them and what about you? "Who do you say that I am"? To this Simon Peter answered: "You are the Christ, the son of the living God". And Jesus confirmed that this had been revealed by God. And he continued: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven". So "from that time on Jesus explained to his disciples that he would suffer, be killed, and on the third day rise again." Peter reacts against this saying, Never Lord!... so Jesus retorted out of my sight Satan... for anyone who follows me must deny himself and take up his cross... for what can a man give in exchange for his soul... and some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom". (a possible reference to the transfiguration in the next chapter or to the resurrection)
Matthew 15 (résumé): Clean/Unclean - Dogs eat Crumbs - Feed 4,000
Initially in Matthew 15 Jesus takes the opportunity to refute the Pharisees' legalism and external religiosity showing that uncleanliness comes from the heart and not just from what is physically consumed. Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 "The people honour me with their lips, but their heart are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men". Next comes a fascinating incident with a non-Jewish Canaanite woman asking for liberation from demon possession for her daughter. Jesus initially refuses to act as his priority was "the lost sheep of Israel". The woman insists but Jesus resists saying "it's not right to give the children's bread to the dogs (gentiles)". However the woman reacts saying that even the dogs eat the crumbs from the bread! This great demonstration of persistent faith breaks down Jesus' resistance and he heals the woman's daughter! Jesus then went along the Sea of Galilee healing the blind, lame and dumb. Eventually after 3-days ministry Jesus became concerned about the people's hunger (4,000 men plus women and children) and multiplied 7 loaves and a few small fish so as to feed the thousands and leave 7 basketfuls of food at the end!
Father's Day
The second Sunday in August is Father's Day in Brazil so yesterday our children joined us for a lovely family lunch when they kindly gave me a new pair of sandals!
At night I led the service in Patos and preached on 'a father after the heart of God'. It was a lovely service at which the children and adolescents took part beautifully including our granddaughter Amanda.
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Football Season
The 2026/2027 football season started yesterday in England and QPR drew with Millwall 1 x 1 in the first round of the League Cup but lost on penalties.
Last night I went and took the communion service at Green Pastures and preached on 'Jesus: the Good Shepherd' from John 10:11-21. It was a lovely service. I saw the usual Burrowing Owls along the earth track along the way. I never tire of seeing them.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Half-way
I have now completed the first half of Matthew's Gospel having written the synopses of 14 of its 28 chapters. John the Baptist has just been executed and Jesus has just fed the 5,000 and walked on the water. Then Peter was a failed copycat!
I have just sent the details and photos to Marian Rashleigh of two new children for sponsorship as part of the EAB Action Child and Action Schools project. For £25 monthly you can support our 15 schools which educate, feed and evangelize over 800 children. Contact Marian for details at missionmr@ntlworld.com
I can hear you better today! Yesterday I had my ears syringed again!
Friday, 7 August 2026
Matthew 14 (résumé): John the Baptist beheaded
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod owing to his stance for righteousness which angered the leader. Herod proceeded to execute John to grant a wish by Herodias's daughter and his disciples buried him and told Jesus what had happened. Jesus then had compassion on a large crowd and healed their sick. He then proceeded to feed the 5,000 men, plus women and children, by multiplying 5 loaves and 2 fishes, and at the end 12 baskets "of broken pieces were left over and collected". Then Jesus dispatched the disciples on a boat because he wanted a time of prayer alone. Jesus later joined them by "walking on the lake"! The disciples were scared thinking it was a ghost but Jesus calmed them down assuring them it was himself, so Peter tried walking on the water too. Initially he was successful, but then he got scared by the strong wind and cried out for help. So the disciples worshipped Jesus saying "truly you are the Son of God".
Matthew 13 (résumé): A series of Parables
Matthew 13 presents a series of 7 parables, and as I was taught as a child at Sunday School, parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings - everyday topics with spiritual meaning. The first parable here is the parable of the Sower where a farmer sows seed and some fell in the path and the birds ate it (the evil one snatches away what was sown), some seed fell on rocky terrain and in the shallow earth the plants withered with no roots (a person receives the word but he doesn't last because of lack of roots), other seed fell among thorns (a person who received the word but lets "the deceitfulness of wealth choke it), and other seed fell on good ground which produces fruit. There then follows a further agricultural parable with good seed being sown, but with an enemy planting weeds to mess things up. The farmer decided to let everything grow together and then burn the weeds at harvest time before gathering the wheat. Jesus says the good seed are the sons of the kingdom, and the bad seed are the sons of the evil one. At the end of the age the evil ones will be thrown in the fiery furnace, and the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom. Next came the parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast. The moral of the Mustard Seed parable is that though the seeds are tiny yet they produce large plants that become trees. Then comes the parable of the Yeast which leavens a large amount of flour. These 2 parables show the kingdom with modest beginning having strong effects on people's lives. Next come the parables of hidden treasure which is bought at all cost, and then the parable of the Pearl which too is purchased at all cost. The moral of these parables is that Jesus and the kingdom are worth more than anything else! Finally comes the parable of the net which catches good and bad fish. Jesus says that at the end of the age angels will put the bad fish in a fiery furnace, but collect the good ones in baskets. Finally Jesus returned to his home town of Nazareth and there people were amazed at his teaching, especially considering that they knew his mother, brothers and sisters. Jesus remarked that a prophet is without honour in his home town.
New Toilet/Shower Unit
A new toilet/shower unit has been built for Damião, Márcia and family at the village of Tamanduá in the municipality of Vazante. Márcia burst into tears of joy when she received it saying "this changes everything in our lives"! Thank you for your support and for your prayers which change needy people's lives for the glory of God.
Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study, Philip led the praise, Vasti & Espedita sang solos and Firefighter Romildo brought the study on Titus chapter 3. It was a lovely service with a good number present.
Temperatures today range from a low of 19 degrees in the night and a high of 33 degrees in the afternoon.
Thursday, 6 August 2026
Matthew 12 (résumé): Lord of the Sabbath
Matthew 12 tells of how the Pharisees criticized Jesus because his disciples were hungry and picked corn on the sabbath. Jesus retorted that David and his men had eaten "consecrated bread" when they were hungry... "and one greater than the temple was now here... and the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath". Similar tensions arose about the sabbath when Jesus healed a man with a shrivelled hand on the sabbath... because it is lawful to do good on a sabbath... so the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus". So Jesus went elsewhere and healed all their sick "warning them not to tell who he was, which was to fulfil Isaiah 42:1-4: "He is my chosen servant... in whom I delight... I will put my Spirit on him... a bruised reed he will not break... in his name the nations will put their hope". Then they brought Jesus a man who was blind, dumb and demon-possessed and Jesus healed him. The Pharisees again reacted saying he had done this with the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Jesus reacted saying demons against demons doesn't work, but he drives out demons by the Spirit of God! Jesus then said: "He that is not with me is against me... and every sin can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.... a bad tree produces bad fruit... you brood of vipers... you who are evil can't do anything good... but on the day of judgement every careless word will be judged". Then the Pharisees asked for another sign and Jesus refused them calling them an "adulterous nation". He says that the only sign they will receive will be the Jonah sign and as Jonah was in the fish's belly for 3 days so Jesus would spend 3 days in the tomb before rising again. Then Jesus was told that his mother and brothers were outside waiting to speak to him. Jesus reacted asking: "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?... whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother".
Matthew 11 (résumé): Jesus & John the Baptist
Matthew 11 reports that Jesus went preaching in Galilee and John the Baptist sent a question from prison asking if Jesus was the Messiah? Jesus replied pointing them to the evidences of his healing the sick, raising the dead and preaching to the poor. Jesus then goes on to honour John the Baptist saying "there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist... he is the Elijah who was to come". Then Jesus denounces cities where he had ministered like Korazin and Capernaum that refused to repent. Then Jesus praises God because he was revealing the truth "to little children as opposed to the wise and learned... he then goes on to reaffirm his unique relationship with God the Father saying... all things have been committed to me by my Father... and then he calls people to himself saying... Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".
Readers
The readers of this blog come from a wide-range of countries. By far the largest group is from the USA. Next comes Seychelles, third is Brazil, fourth is India and fifth Vietnam. 6th is Pakistan, 7th Philippines, 8th Bangladesh, 9th Argentina and 10th Saudi Arabia. My prayer is that many people will be blessed by my daily missionary diary and my summaries chapter by chapter of the whole Word of God. I remember how I met a man once who told me he had been converted through my radio ministry many years earlier although I had never met him. My prayer is that this may happen too through this daily blog for the glory of God.
I am now proceeding with my résumé of the New Testament, having completed the Old Testament. Yesterday I concluded the first 10 chapters of the Gospel of Matthew with the sending out of the 12 in mission in chapter 10.
Today the results have come out from the Ministry of Education for all the schools in Brazil, and once again our 'Pastor Frank Dyer School' in Patos has been classified in first place for primary schools in Patos with a mark of 8.2 on the IDEB. Well done headteacher Gerlânia and all the team! All glory be to God!
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Matthew 10 (résumé): Jesus sends out the 12
Jesus sent out the 12 in mission. "Jesus called his 12 disciples and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to cure every type of disease... he told them to go to the lost sheep of Israel... preach that the kingdom of heaven is near and heal the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons... freely you have received, freely give... take no bag for the journey... if people reject you shake the dust off your feet... I am sending you like sheep among wolves... you will be given what to say by the Spirit... all men will hate you because of me... a servant is not above his master... but do not be afraid of them... for they cannot kill the soul... and you are worth more than 2 sparrows... whoever acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge before my Father... I did not come to bring peace... and anyone who loves his father and mother more than me is not worthy of me... he who receives you receives me".
Matthew 9 (résumé): Furth ministry by Jesus
Jesus' messianic ministry continues in Matthew 9 as a paralytic man was brought to Jesus so he forgave the man's sins, which put the cat among the pigeons, as far as the teachers of the law was concerned as they felt this was blasphemy. So Jesus healed the man to show his authority which left everyone "filled with awe". This is followed by the calling of Matthew related by Matthew! He was a tax collector and the Pharisees criticized Jesus for keeping their company. Jesus reacted saying: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick!" Following this John the Baptist's disciples asked Jesus why his disciples didn't fast and he told them it wouldn't happen when the bridegroom was still with them. Things were changing and Jesus showed them the need to pour new wine into new wineskins. Then Jesus was called to resurrect a ruler's daughter, but on the way he was side-tracked curing a woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years. Having cured her Jesus went on to raise the dead girl. Then Jesus encountered 2 blind men calling out to him asking for mercy, and Jesus healed them. Then Jesus went on to deliver a dumb man who was demon possessed. The people were amazed hearing him speaking and said: "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!" And Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching and preaching the Gospel and he felt compassion towards the crowds. He said: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few... pray for more workers!"
Matthew 8 (résumé): Multiple healings by Jesus
Now Jesus is approached by "a man with leprosy" who asked Jesus if he was willing to heal him? Jesus said yes, "be clean"! And he was immediately cured. Then at Capernaum a centurion told Jesus that his servant was paralysed and suffering and asked him to heal him at a distance because he wasn't worthy for Jesus to enter his house. Jesus was astonished by his faith and proceeded to heal the servant. Then Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law before healing many sick people and driving out evil spirits. The text says that this fulfilled Isaiah 53:4. Then a teacher of the law declared to Jesus that he would follow him everywhere. Jesus answered that foxes have holes and birds have nests but he had nowhere to lay his head. Then another man said he needed to go and conduct his father's funeral, and Jesus said "let the dead bury the dead"! Then Jesus and the disciples went travelling by boat and were hit by a surprise storm and the disciples asked Jesus for help and Jesus lamented their lack of faith. Jesus rebuked the winds and everything calmed down, so the men were amazed that even the winds and the waves obeyed Jesus! Then Jesus arrived in the region of the Gadarenes where he encountered 2 violent devil possessed men and they asked Jesus to send them into a nearby herd of pigs if he was to cast them out of the men. This happened and the pigs hurtled into a lake and drowned. And the townsfolk asked Jesus to leave the area.
Matthew 7 (résumé): The Sermon on the Mount (part 3)
Further teaching from Jesus flows in Matthew 7 starting with "Do not judge, or you too will be judged... and why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye when you have a plank in your own... and don't throw your pearls to pigs". Jesus then goes on to teach further on prayer saying "ask and it will be given unto you, seek and you will find... if your son asks for bread you don't give him a stone... so God will give good gifts to those who ask him". Jesus then says "enter through the narrow gate... for narrow is the way that leads to life". Then Jesus says "watch out for false prophets which are wolves in sheep's clothing... and by their fruit you will know them... not everyone that says Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven!" Finally Jesus says that putting my word into practice is like building your house on a rock... but not practicing my word is foolishness building in the sand. The house on the rock stands firm in the storm but the one on the sand falls with a great crash. And people were amazed at Jesus' teaching with authority.
Matthew 6 (résumé): Sermon on the Mount (part 2)
Matthew 6 starts with teaching about giving to the needy which Jesus says should be without exhibitionism. "Don't announce your giving with trumpets!" Let God know and nobody else. Then Jesus teaches on prayer with his famous 'Lord's Prayer'. Jesus condemns 'show off' prayers and teaches that prayer should honour God's name... pray for God's kingdom and will... ask for daily bread... seek forgiveness whilst forgiving others... ask for deliverance from temptation and evil. Then Jesus says that fasting ought to be discreet "so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting". Then Jesus teaches that "you cannot serve both God and money... don't store up treasures on earth but rather do it in heaven". Finally in this chapter the Lord tells his disciples not to worry about food, clothing and the days ahead, because the birds and flowers do fine without worrying. "Seek yea first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you".
Matthew 5 (résumé): The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 to 7 contains the Sermon on the Mount which is a collection of Jesus' teachings to his disciples. Initially come the famous beatitudes: "The poor in spirit inherit the kingdom of heaven... those who mourn will be comforted... the meek will inherit the earth... those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled... the merciful will be shown mercy... the pure in heart will see God... the peacemakers will be called sons of God... those persecuted because of righteousness will inherit the kingdom of heaven". Jesus then goes on to say that Christian disciples are the salt of the earth influencing society for good... and they are the light of the world shining for God through what they do. Then Jesus says that he has not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it and stresses that true righteousness must exceed superficial external obedience as practiced by the Pharisees.
Jesus then goes on to specific topics of Christian ethics starting with murder which he of course condemns, but not just physically but he condemns the anger and hatred in the heart which is its root cause. So too Jesus condemns adultery which stems from lust in the heart. Jesus next values marriage but admits divorce in the case of "marital unfaithfulness". Jesus then clearly teaches that Christians should always be truthful and "let your yes be yes, and your no be no", without needing to swear by oaths. Jesus replaces "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" with "if someone strikes you on the right cheek, give him the other one also". Jesus also teaches "love your enemies and pray for persecutors... be perfect, as your Father is perfect".
Matthew 4 (résumé): The temptation of Jesus & the beginning of his ministry
Straight after Jesus' baptism "Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil" and he fasted for a long period. So the devil suggested that Jesus turn stone in to bread to eat, but Jesus rebuked him saying man doesn't live by bread alone. Then the devil dared Jesus to jump off a high point and trust God, but Jesus told him not to put God to the test. Finally the devil offered a vast panorama of place if Jesus would worship him and Jesus again rebuked him saying only God should be worshipped! Then Jesus went and lived in Capernaum and started preaching publicly saying "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near". Jesus then called the first disciples to follow him: Peter and his brother Andrew, followed by James and his brother John. All 4 were fishermen, but Jesus said he would "make them fishers of men". Then Jesus started healing the sick from a wide variety of diseases, and large crowds started following him.
Grace
"My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9) was a key phrase in last night's Men's Fellowship meeting. Schoolteacher Claudivan led the meeting, Philip led the praise and I led the Bible study on 'When God says no". It was a beautiful meeting really blessed of God. 🙌
Please pray for our 54-year-old deacon Ricardo of the Patos church who has heart problems and nearly had a heart attack yesterday. He has been taken to João Pessoa for treatment and is in hospital there.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Matthew 3 (résumé): John the Baptist prepares the way
Matthew 3 introduces John the Baptist's public ministry preparing "the way of the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3). He wore "clothes made of camel's hair" and he ate "locusts and wild honey". Faced by his preaching people confessed their sins and he baptized them in the River Jordan, but he called the Pharisees and Sadducees a "brood of vipers!" John however announced that he was preparing the way for someone "whose sandals I am not fit to carry". He also said that the coming one "is more powerful than I and will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire". Then Jesus came to be baptized by John who felt he was unworthy to do it, but Jesus insisted. Then the heaven opened, the Spirit of God descended on Jesus "like a dove" and God the Father confirmed that Jesus was his son whom he loved and was pleased with.
Matthew 2 (résumé): The early life of Jesus
Matthew 2 starts telling about the coming of 3 Wise Men from the east who came to worship Jesus having seen "his star in the east". When King Herod heard about this "he was disturbed" and enquired from "the priests and teachers of the law" as to where it was prophesied that the Messiah would be born and they informed him that it was "in Bethlehem in Judea", and they quoted Micah 5:2 in support of this. So Herod told the Magi to report back to him when they had found Jesus. They then located Jesus and worshipped him and gave him gifts, but they avoided further contact with Herod. Then an angel told Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt with Jesus as Herod was hunting him, and Hosea 11:1 was quoted in support of this. When Herod realized he had been outwitted he carried out an awful slaughter of young babies and todlers in the area. However after Herod's death Jesus returned with his parents and lived in Nazareth in Galilee.
54 Years
54 years ago yesterday I arrived in Brazil for the first time, landing at Recife airport and then being driven to Patos at night by Pastor Frank Dyer in a Rural Wyllis truck together with my wife Liz and baby Deborah. The road trip from Recife to Patos seemed endless!
This blog started 22 years ago this month. It started on UOL where it continued for 10 years before switching to Google Blogspot where it has been for the past 12 years. So you youngsters who talk about "bloggers" should realize I started doing this before hardly anyone had even heard of what a blog was! 😃
Monday, 3 August 2026
Old Testament completed
I am thrilled to announce that I have completed writing résumés or summaries chapter by chapter, book by book, of all the Old Testament. This means I have finished writing 39 books, 929 chapters, and 78% of the Bible. Everything has been posted here in my blog and then published in organized fashion, on the EAB website. Now it's on to the New Testament and its 260 chapters written in 27 books.
Last night I led the communion service in Patos and Pastor Rafael preached. Philip brought a short word, prayed for the children and sang a solo. It was a lovely service. Pastor Murilo preached in Imaculada.
Brother Sid Wilder went to be with the Lord this morning at Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, aged 93. Sid was a long-term supporter of EAB having supported the work since our first visit to the Harold Hill church in 1972 before we first came to Brazil. Please pray for the family at this time. 🙏
Sunday, 2 August 2026
Matthew 1 (résumé): The genealogy & birth of Jesus
Matthew's (or Levi) Gospel was essentially written for a Jewish audience, quoting the Old Testament extensively, focused on Jesus Christ as Messiah and King. Matthew starts by giving Jesus' genealogy showing him to have been a descendant of Abraham and of David. The genealogy is organized into 3 groups of 14 generations: from Abraham to David / from David to the Babylonian exile / from the exile to Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note the 5 women in this family tree: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba (called here "the wife of Uriah") and Mary. There are some unlikely characters here in the genealogy of the Messiah demonstrating God's supreme grace. Then comes the description of Jesus birth. "Mary was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit... she will give birth to a son and you will call him Jesus... this fulfills Isaiah 7:14 that he will be called Immanuel which means God with us... and Mary gave birth to a boy and they called him Jesus".
Malachi 4 (résumé): The Day of the Lord
Malachi ends talking about judgement for the wicked and hope for those who fear God. "Surely the Day of the Lord is coming and it will burn like a furnace and arrogant evildoers will be stubble... but for those who fear God the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings... and you will leap like calves... and trample down the wicked... and I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes... and he will bring fathers and children together blessed by God".
Malachi 3 (résumé): The Day of Judgement
Malachi 3 focuses on God's coming judgement, purification and blessing. "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way for me... but who can endure the day of his coming... for he will be like a refiner's fire... I will come near to you in judgement against sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, defrauders and oppressors and who do not fear me... I the Lord do not change... so return to me and I will return to you... will a man rob God in tithes and offerings?... the whole nation is under a curse because you are robbing me... so bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven's blessing... and all nations will call you blessed... and those that fear the Lord will be mine, says the Lord Almighty".
Malachi 2 (résumé): Admonition for the Priests
In Malachi 2 the prophet continues to complain about the priests and the resultant unfaithfulness of his people. "If you priests don't set your heart to honour my name I will send a curse on you... and I will rebuke your descendants... I send you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue... he walked with me in peace and uprightness... for the lips of the priest should preserve knowledge... but you have turned from the way and caused many to stumble... and Judah has broken faith... and desecrated the sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god... guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth... for I hate divorce... so guard yourself in your spirit and do not break faith".
Malachi 1 (résumé): Jacob loves, Esau hates
The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, written around 425 BC, after the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple. Now the Jews had become complacent again so Malachi calls Israel to repentance.
Malachi starts by reminding his people of his covenant love - Jacob as opposed to Esau. "I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated... Edom may rebuild but I will demolish". Then the chapter goes on to rebuke the priests. "It is you O priests who despise my name... you place defiled food on my altar... oh that one of you would shut the temple doors... for I will not accept offerings from your hands because you bring injured, crippled and diseased animals for sacrifices... for I am a great king, says the Lord Almighty, and my name is to be feared among the nations".
Zechariah 14 (résumé): The Lord comes and reigns
Zechariah concludes his book announcing the coming Day of the Lord. "The Day of the Lord is coming... I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it... the city will be captured... half of the people will go into exile... then the Lord will fight these nations... and the Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives and it will be split in two... and you will flee... and God will come with his holy ones... and on that day there will be no light... but in the evening there will be light... and living water will flow from Jerusalem... and the Lord will be king over the whole earth... and Jerusalem will be secure... and God will give a plague to the nations and their flesh will rot when there are stood up and their eyes will rot in their sockets and their tongues will rot in their mouths... and the wealth of the nations will be collected... whilst a similar plague will affect all the animals... and the survivors of the nation will worship God... and people that don't go will receive no rain... and HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses".
Zechariah 13 (résumé): Cleansing from sin
"A fountain will be opened to cleanse from sin... I will banish idols from the land... I will remove the false prophets with the spirit of impurity from the land... and if they still try to prophesy their own parents will stab them". Then comes a Messianic passage quoted by Jesus himself in Mark 14:27: "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered". Then the text goes on to say: "In the whole land two-thirds will be struck down and one-third left... and I will refine them in the fire like silver and test them like gold... they will call on my name and I will answer them... I will say they are my people and they will say the Lord is our God".
Zechariah 12 (résumé): Jerusalem's enemies to be destroyed
Zechariah 12 prophesies future deliverance of Jerusalem, the defeat of its enemies and the spiritual restoration of God's people. "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding people reeling!... I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock... I will keep a watchful eye over Judah but I will blind all the horses of the nations... the leaders of Judah then will be saying in their hearts - the people of Jerusalem are strong because the Lord Almighty is their God... the leaders of Judah will consume all the surrounding peoples but Jerusalem will remain intact... the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem".
Viral
Last month this blog went viral with 2,586,505 visits from all over the world! Our thanks and greetings to each one of you. 😀
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Zechariah 11 (résumé): Two shepherds
Zechariah 11 is prophetic of the rejection of God's true shepherd. The chapter starts with a call to Lebanon and Bashan to mourn the destruction of their mighty trees which is symbolic of God's judgement. Then God tells Zechariah to "pasture the flock marked for slaughter (Judah)... for I will no longer have pity on the people of the land... and Zechariah cared for this flock marked for slaughter... and he took 2 staffs with one Favour and the other Union... and the flock detested Zechariah... so he asked for his pay and received 30 pieces of silver... so woe to worthless shepherds who desert the flock... may his arm be withered and his right eye blinded". We must therefore be careful to follow the true shepherd and genuine spiritual leadership.
Zechariah 10 (résumé): The Lord will care for Judah
Zechariah 10 brings a message of hope to his people. "God gives showers of rain and plants of the field to everyone... Idols speak deceit and diviners lie... I will punish bad leaders... but from Judah will come the cornerstone... together they will be mighty men... because the Lord is with them... and I will strengthen the house of Judah... I will retore them because I have compassion on them... their children will see it and be joyful... surely I will redeem them... I will bring them back from Egypt and Assyria... and I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will walk".
Zechariah 9 (résumé): Judgement on Israel's enemies
Now come prophecies about judgment for the nations and about the coming Messiah. "Tyre has built a stronghold and amassed wealth, but the Lord will take away her possessions... Ashkelon will see it and fear... Gaza will writhe in agony... and Ekron too... foreigners will occupy Ashdod... and those left will belong to God... and never again will an oppressor overrun my people". Now rejoice Zion!... your king comes to you... gentle and riding on a donkey... he will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea... and the Lord will appear and the Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet... the Lord their God will save them on that day... they will sparkle in the land like jewels in a crown!"
Zechariah 8 (résumé): The Lord promises to bless Jerusalem
Zechariah 8 is a message of hope and restoration. "This is what the Lord Almighty says: I am very zealous for Zion... I will return there and dwell in Jerusalem... and it will be called the City of Truth... the city will have the aged sitting in the streets and boys and girls playing there too... I will save my people from east and west and bring them back to Jerusalem... so let your hands be strong so that the temple can be built... the seed will grow well and the vine will yield its fruit... I will save you and you will be a blessing... I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem... so speak truth... render sound judgement... love truth and peace... and many nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord... and people will ask to go with you because God is with you!"