I think “Immanuel” was the first of God’s names I learnt growing up because of Christmas carols and the annual reading of Isaiah’s prophecy echoed by Angel Gabriel during services [Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23]. Until recently, I didn’t think much of the implications of the name, possibly because I’d become overly familiar with it. But …
Out walking last weekend, I saw a Boeing 747 approaching a runway. It was a stunning sight. I marvel at the audacious ingenuity it took to put a 380-ton object with human beings in the sky and keep it there safely for several hours. Humankind has also gone to the moon, a celestial object 250 …
Ever felt discouraged at the state of the world? Nowadays, I seldom watch the news because it feels like most countries are drifting from one predicament to another as a global economic crisis and an ever-escalating war waged by a nuclear superpower rages in the background. Even the optimistic people in my social sphere have …
Ever considered Christmas from Mary’s perspective? In a moment, the life she envisioned for herself was altered permanently by a celestial visit. In God’s eyes, she was highly favoured – about to become the mother of His Son. Yet, in man’s eyes, she was another duplicitous teenager pregnant out of wedlock, despite her outward piety. …
“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” [John 3:16 NLT]. That’s probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s also one of the most important ones. Love is a word that’s possibly …
Growing up, both of my parents had full-time jobs. But I distinctly remember having breakfast and dinner as a family most days. Yet, this is an experience foreign to my kids and many of my contemporaries. We live in the fast lane, rushing from one activity to the next. We barely stop to rest, reflect …
I don’t know about you, but the word “sacrifice” makes me uncomfortable. Deep down, I know making sacrifices often brings rewards, but I still find it difficult to embrace them. Yet, the challenge is that life operates in such a way that nothing great is achieved without sacrifice. For instance, no one makes it to …
Sadly, many of us have lost loved ones in recent times. Often, when I speak to people grieving, the subject of a loved one going to heaven invariably comes up, especially for those who believe in life after death. For some, it’s a hope rather than an expectation that the loved one makes it to …
Ever wondered what it was like for the soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross moments after they died? They came face to face with Jesus – the One they mocked, spat on, tortured and then crucified in the most gruesome, despicable manner. Now, they saw Him for who He really was; Jehovah, The Judge …
There’s a lot of turmoil and uncertainty in our world. As someone who desires to share the hope of the gospel with as many people as I can, I often find it difficult to offer that hope to those experiencing oppression and injustice because they might find it philosophical and unrelatable. I know one day …
