Stephen McDonald

But Do You Understand (Acts 28:17-31)

As we come to the end of Acts, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the life of Paul. But he’s not who Acts is about. He wasn’t even mentioned in the first 8 chapters! And Acts isn’t about Peter or Philip or James or John, or any of the disciples. It isn’t evenContinue reading “But Do You Understand (Acts 28:17-31)”

A Stranger in a Strange Land (Acts 28:1-16)

Our world and culture have changed dramatically. It used to be normal to go to church. Then, it was something people didn’t care about. Now, if you say you follow Jesus, you’re likely to be thought strange. Or people will think you are a bigot. It’s not unusual for us as Christians to find ourselvesContinue reading “A Stranger in a Strange Land (Acts 28:1-16)”

Exactly As We Have Been Told (Acts 27:1-44)

We ask “Why? Why do we have accidents? Why do we have time off work? Why do we get cancer? Why do relationships break down? Why do children die before their parents?” And we ask “When? When will things be how they should be?” Acts 27 is a situation that should not have been. ButContinue reading “Exactly As We Have Been Told (Acts 27:1-44)”

When Going to Church Makes Everything Worse (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)

‘I’m not a very good Christian. There are days when I don’t stop to pray. There are days when I’m too busy to read the Bible.’ Do you ever feel like that? ‘I’m not a very good Christian, but at least I got to church this week.’ But would it surprise you to hear thatContinue reading “When Going to Church Makes Everything Worse (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)”

Sleep is a Gift from God (Psalm 127:1-5)

As you look back on 2019, how do you assess it? And what do you expect in 2020? There’s a lot of talk about being blessed today, even from people who don’t believe in a God who can bless them. How would you know if you were blessed? How do you know that God lovesContinue reading “Sleep is a Gift from God (Psalm 127:1-5)”