Calvary Baptist Church - Peterborough

"Burdens are lifted at Calvary!"
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24 December — Luke 24 Devotion, Christmas without Easter is just a sweet story
24 December — Luke 24 Devotion, Christmas without Easter is just a sweet story 150 150 Jonathan VandenHurk

24th December – Luke 24: “He Is Risen!”

Hey friends, Merry Christmas! Welcome to December 24th, the climax of our journey through Luke. Over 24 days we’ve walked with Jesus: His birth announced to shepherds, His teaching, miracles, parables, suffering, death, and today, the empty tomb. “He is not here, but is risen” (v. 6).

Part 1 – The Empty Tomb and Burning Hearts (vv. 1-35)

Very early, women come with spices, find the stone rolled away, the tomb empty. Two angels: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you… that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again” (vv. 5-7).

They tell the eleven, who think it idle tales. But Peter runs, sees the linen clothes, wonders.

That afternoon, two disciples walk to Emmaus, sad. Jesus joins them incognito: “What manner of communications are these…?” They recount the crucifixion, dashed hopes.

He says, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (vv. 25-26). Beginning at Moses, He expounds the Scriptures concerning Himself.

At table, He breaks bread—their eyes open: “It is the Lord!” He vanishes. They rush back to Jerusalem: “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?” (v. 32).

Part 2 – Peace, Power, and Promise (vv. 36-49)

The disciples are together when Jesus appears: “Peace be unto you.” They think it’s a spirit. He shows hands, feet, side, and eats fish and honeycomb. “These are the words which I spake unto you… Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations” (vv. 46-47).

“Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (v. 49).

Part 3 – The Ascension – Witnesses to the World (vv. 50-53)

He leads them to Bethany, blesses them, is carried up into heaven. They worship, return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually in the temple praising God.

Luke began with the Son of Man coming to seek and save the lost, for all nations. It ends with the risen Saviour commissioning witnesses to all nations, clothed with power from on high.

Our daughter Laura got it right when she heard “Mary’s Boy Child” sing, “Man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day!” She said, “No, Daddy! it’s because of Easter Day!”

She’s spot on. There’s no resurrection without the incarnation; but no everlasting life without the empty tomb.

Christmas without Easter is just a sweet story.

Easter without Christmas is impossible; God had to become man to die and rise for us.

Today, the risen Lord still meets discouraged disciples on the road, opens Scriptures, sets hearts burning, breathes peace, shows wounded hands, commissions witnesses, clothes with power, and ascends, ever living to intercede.

He lives!

But He must live in your heart.

Receive the risen Saviour today, and go tell all nations.

Merry Christmas…He is risen indeed!

Grace and peace! 🙏

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23 December — Luke 23, “The King Who Took Our Place”
23 December — Luke 23, “The King Who Took Our Place” 150 150 Jonathan VandenHurk
https://youtu.be/WEUilimPKgk

23 December — Luke 23, “The King Who Took Our Place; the Judge Who Took Our Judgement”

Hello friends, welcome to December 23rd. Luke 23 is the darkest day in history: mock trials, scourging, crucifixion. Yet it’s the day the King was tried so we could go free. The religious leaders accuse Him before Pilate: “We found this fellow perverting the nation… saying that he himself is Christ a King” (v. 2). They’re trying the King…for being King.

I’m visited today the Roman city of Verulamium in St Albans today, where in the Cathedral stands the grave of Alban, England’s first Christian martyr. According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Alban was a pagan Roman soldier who sheltered a fleeing Christian named Amphibalus during the persecution around AD 287, who led Alban to faith. When soldiers came, Alban swapped clothes with the Christian and gave himself up. Scourged and sentenced to death, he was beheaded on this hill. The executioner was so moved that he converted and refused to strike; another soldier did the deed. Both martyrs were buried here, and the city is now named after their memory. But the Lord Jesus was the King Who took our place, the Judge Who took our judgement. Luke 23 is the darkest chapter of history, yet the greatest beauty and grace pours out of it.

An old saying goes: “Christlike Christians are like bells. The harder you hit them, the sweeter the sound.” Alban rang true: persecuted, yet his sacrifice echoed his faith and love. That same sweet sound rings from Calvary in Luke 23, where the innocent King was “hit” hardest of all.

Part 1 – The Mock Trials (vv. 1-25) The whole multitude leads Jesus to Pilate. Charges fly: stirring up the people, forbidding tribute to Caesar, claiming to be Christ a King. Pilate asks, “Art thou the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers, “Thou sayest it” (v. 3). Pilate finds no fault, sends Him to Herod. Herod mocks, arrays Him in gorgeous robe, sends Him back. Pilate declares, “I find no fault in this man” (v. 4), three times. Yet the crowd cries, “Crucify him!” Pilate releases Barabbas, delivers Jesus to be crucified.

They’re trying the King…for being King. The innocent for the guilty. The Judge judged in our place.

Part 2 – The Road to the Cross (vv. 26-33) They lead Him away. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross. Multitudes follow, women bewailing. Jesus turns: “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves” (v. 28). At Calvary: “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left” (v. 33).

Yesterday, we showed you the ancient stone steps from Gethsemane down into the Kidron Valley and up to Caiaphas’s house—the very path Jesus was dragged that night, then back toward Calvary. Those steps are still there, worn by centuries. They remind me of Philippians 2: He “humbled himself… even the death of the cross.”

From the manger to those steps to the cross…He came all the way down for us.

Part 3 – The Seven Sayings: The Gift of the Beloved Son. As the King hangs there, His seven words reveal the wonder of Christmas: God gave His only begotten Son—not just to a manger, but to a cross.

  1. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (v. 34) – Forgiveness for His enemies.
  2. To the thief: “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (v. 43) – Salvation to the hopeless.
  3. To His mother and John: “Woman, behold thy son… Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26-27) – Care for others.
  4. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46) – Bearing our sin.
  5. “I thirst” (John 19:28) – Fully human, fulfilling Scripture.
  6. “It is finished” (John 19:30) – The debt paid in full.
  7. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (v. 46) – Trusting surrender.

The Father gave His beloved Son: from glory to Bethlehem’s stable, from the throne to those valley steps, from life to death. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all…” (Rom. 8:32).

This Christmas Eve eve, behold the gift: the King tried, condemned, crucified, so you could be acquitted, crowned, alive forever.

Consider Him who endured the cross, for the joy of having you with Him. Like Alban, like the bell: hit hard, yet ringing sweet with grace.

See you tomorrow, Christmas Eve, for Luke 24. Grace and peace! 🙏

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22nd December – Luke 22: “He Humbled Himself”
22nd December – Luke 22: “He Humbled Himself” 150 150 Jonathan VandenHurk
https://youtu.be/TGMpclD8tJU

22nd December – Luke 22: “He Humbled Himself”

Hey friends, welcome to December 22nd. Luke 22 is the night everything changes: the Passover meal, the garden prayer, betrayal, denial, mock trials. It’s the night Jesus humbled Himself to the uttermost, stepping down into the deepest valley for us. Years ago, I walked the ancient stone steps from Gethsemane down into the Kidron Valley and up to Caiaphas’s house, the very path Jesus took that night under guard. Those steps are still there (see video above), though worn by centuries. They remind me of Philippians 2: “He humbled himself… even the death of the cross.”

Part 1 – With Desire I Have Desired (vv. 1-38) The chief priests and scribes seek to kill Jesus. Satan enters Judas. Yet Jesus says to His disciples, “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer” (v. 15). He takes bread: “This is my body which is given for you.” The cup: “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (vv. 19-20). He washes their feet, teaches servant leadership, warns Peter of Satan’s sifting, yet promises, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (v. 32).

Even knowing betrayal is coming, His desire is for fellowship with them, and also with us.

Part 2 – Gethsemane: The Cup of Humbling (vv. 39-46) On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prays, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (v. 42). An angel strengthens Him. In agony, He sweats as it were great drops of blood. The disciples sleep. He rises: “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.”

Here is the heart of Christmas continued… the eternal Son, who stepped down into a manger, now steps lower still, accepting the cup of wrath we deserved.

Part 3 – Betrayal, Denial, and Mockery (vv. 47-71) Judas betrays with a kiss. Peter slashes Malchus’s ear; Jesus heals it, then says, “I AM HE.” They fall backward. Peter follows afar off, denies three times, the cock crows, Jesus turns and looks upon him, and Peter weeps bitterly. Before the council, they mock, blindfold, slap Him: “Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?” At dawn: “Art thou the Christ?” He answers, “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.” They cry, “Art thou then the Son of God?” “Ye say that I am.”

The night of His betrayal, He humbled Himself, to be betrayed, denied, mocked, and condemned. Yet He never used the power He could have: “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53).

Friends, those ancient steps from Gethsemane to Caiaphas trace the path of Philippians 2: “Who, being in the form of God… humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

This Christmas week, walk those steps in your heart. He came down, all the way down, for you. Look at the manger, then at the garden, then at the cross. And worship the One who humbled Himself to lift you up.

See you tomorrow for Luke 23. Grace and peace! 🙏

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21st December – Luke 21: “Look Up, and Lift Up Your Heads!”
21st December – Luke 21: “Look Up, and Lift Up Your Heads!” 1920 1080 Jonathan VandenHurk
https://youtu.be/NOUazwI-AnE

21st December – Luke 21: “Look Up, and Lift Up Your Heads!”

Hey friends, welcome to December 21st. Luke 21 begins with a quiet, overlooked act of devotion and ends with Jesus on the Mount of Olives, speaking of the end of the age. From a widow’s mites to worldwide tribulation, the chapter calls us to one response: “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (v. 28).

Part 1 – The Widow’s Two Mites (vv. 1-4) Jesus has just warned, “Beware of the scribes… which devour widows’ houses” (20:46-47). Then He watches the rich casting gifts into the treasury, and a poor widow putting in two mites. He calls His disciples: “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had” (vv. 3-4).

The scribes devoured widows’ houses; this widow gave all her living, trusting God completely. In a temple full of showy giving, Jesus sees the heart. Her tiny gift was everything. As Christmas nears, remember: the Father who sent His Son to be our sacrifice, saw her grateful sacrifice, and sees yours.

Part 2 – Signs of the End (vv. 5-28) Admiring the temple’s beauty, disciples hear Jesus’ sobering prophecy: “The days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another” (v. 6). They ask, “Master, but when shall these things be?” Jesus describes birth pains: false Christs, wars, commotions, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, persecutions: “Be not terrified” (v. 9). Jerusalem compassed with armies, great distress, wrath upon this people. Then cosmic signs: “men’s hearts failing them for fear” (v. 26).

Yet amid terror, hope: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (v. 28). J. Hudson Taylor once wrote, “Are you in a hurry, flurried, distressed? Look up! See the Man in the Glory! Let the face of Jesus shine upon you—the face of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is He worried, troubled, distressed? There is no wrinkle on His brow, no least shade of anxiety. Yet the affairs are His as much as yours.”

That phrase, “lift up your heads,” echoes Psalm 24:7: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates… and the King of glory shall come in.” One day, from this very Mount of Olives, the King of glory will return through the Eastern Gate.

Part 3 – The Fig Tree and Watchfulness (vv. 29-38) Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree: “When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh” (v. 30). Back in Luke 13, a fruitless fig tree pictured Israel, which was privileged yet barren, given one more year of grace. Now the fig tree is budding again! Israel was reborn as a nation in 1948: leaves appearing. It is not yet bearing full fruit, but summer is near. The Tribulation (Jeremiah’s prophesied “time of Jacob’s trouble”) will bring national repentance: “They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn” (Zech. 12:10).

Jesus warns: “Take heed to yourselves… And take heed… watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things” (vv. 34-36).

From a widow’s trusting gift to worldwide tribulation, one message rings: Don’t be weighed down with this world’s cares. Look up. Lift up your heads. Your redemption / your King is drawing nigh.

Friends, this Christmas week, the Babe of Bethlehem is the returning King of glory. Live ready. Look up.

See you tomorrow for Luke 22. Grace and peace! 🙏

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20th December – Luke 20: “I Will Send My Beloved Son”
20th December – Luke 20: “I Will Send My Beloved Son” 1920 1080 Jonathan VandenHurk

20th December – Luke 20: “I Will Send My Beloved Son”

Hey friends, welcome to December 20th. In the final week before the cross, the tension in the temple is electric. The chief priests and scribes demand, “By what authority doest thou these things?” Jesus answers with a parable that echoes straight to Christmas: the heartbreaking love of a Father who says, “I will send my beloved son.”

Part 1 – The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (vv. 9-19) “A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time” (v. 9). He sends servants for fruit; and they beat, wound, shame them. Finally, the owner says, “What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him” (v. 13). But the husbandmen reason, “This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.” They cast him out and slay him.

Jesus looks them in the eye: “What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others” (vv. 15-16). Then He quotes Psalm 118:22: “The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder” (vv. 17-18).

The vineyard is Israel, who were privileged, and planted by God for fruit. The husbandmen are the leaders, who were to be stewards who acted like owners, rejecting prophets, and now murdering the Son. God’s love revealed in sending servant after servant, finally His beloved Son, the very One whose birth we celebrate this week. Love rejected: cast out and killed. The Son’s return predicted: destroy the wicked, give the vineyard to others (the age of the Gentiles), and become the head cornerstone.

They knew He spoke of them, and “sought to lay hands on him” (v. 19), fulfilling the parable in real time.

We’re all stewards, privileged with time, gifts, the gospel. One day the Owner returns. Are we bearing fruit… or rejecting the beloved Son?

Part 2 – Traps and Truth (vv. 20-47) They send spies: “Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar?” Jesus answers, “Shew me a penny… Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s” (vv. 23-25).

Sadducees, who deny resurrection, pose a trick question about marriage in heaven. Jesus replies, “The children of this world marry… but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry… for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God” (vv. 34-36). Then He proves resurrection from Exodus: “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed… for he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living” (vv. 37-38).

Finally, Jesus asks, “How say they that Christ is David’s son?” and quotes Psalm 110: “David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?” (v. 44). The scribes can’t answer. The crowd rejoices. Truth silences traps.

Three lessons as Christmas nears: God’s love is revealed in sending His beloved Son: the Babe of Bethlehem who would be slain for us. Don’t reject Him; He’s the cornerstone of salvation or judgment. Know the Scriptures and the power of God. He turns traps into triumphs and questions into revelation.

Friends, the Father said, “I will send my beloved Son.” He did, at Christmas. And one day that Son returns as King.

This Christmas, reverence the beloved Son.

Thank you, Sean Tucker, for reading the chapter today, in the YouTube video, above. See you tomorrow for Luke 21. Grace and peace! 🙏

  • Jonathan VandenHurk
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19 December — Luke 19 “Receiving Him Joyfully”
19 December — Luke 19 “Receiving Him Joyfully” 1920 1080 Jonathan VandenHurk

19th December – Luke 19: “Zacchaeus Received Him Joyfully”

Hey friends, welcome to December 19th. I’m speaking to you today in front of a very special memorial to a donkey who became a hero. This one was born on the battlefield at the Somme in World War I. After his mother died, he became the beloved mascot of British troops, was wounded seven times, survived, and lived another 26 years as Peterborough’s city mascot. Brave, faithful, decorated… but he’s not the most famous donkey in history.

That honour goes to a never-before-ridden colt in Luke 19, the one Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The Bible says in Job that man’s heart is as stubborn as “a wild ass’s colt.” Untamed, running its own way. Yet when they brought that colt to Jesus, He rode it in triumph. What a picture of what He does with stubborn hearts like ours.

Part 1 – Zacchaeus Received Him Joyfully (vv. 1-10) Jesus enters Jericho, and a rich tax collector named Zacchaeus, despised, corrupt, lonely, wants to see Him. Too short to see over the crowd, he climbs a sycamore tree. Jesus stops, looks up, and says, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house” (v. 5). Zacchaeus receives Him joyfully. The crowd grumbles: “He’s gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stands and says, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Jesus declares, “This day is salvation come to this house… For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (vv. 9-10).

Curiosity led Zacchaeus up a tree. Jesus calling his name brought him down transformed. Obstacles, like height, reputation, wealth, melted when the Saviour said, “Today I must abide at thy house.” He still calls sinners by name. Will you receive Him joyfully?

Part 2 – Occupy Till I Come (vv. 11-27) Jesus tells the parable of the pounds: A nobleman goes to receive a kingdom and gives ten servants a pound each: “Occupy till I come” (v. 13). His citizens hate him: “We will not have this man to reign over us.” He returns as king. Faithful servants are rewarded with cities. The fearful one who hid his pound hears, “Thou wicked servant.” The enemies who rejected his reign are slain.

We live between the “going away” and the “coming again.” Citizens of this world increasingly resent Christ’s rule. Servants are called to occupy, or trade faithfully with what He’s entrusted, till He returns. One day we’ll give account. Are we occupied with the right work?

Part 3 – Blessed Be the King (vv. 28-44) Jesus sends for the colt: “The Lord hath need of him.” They bring it, lay garments on it, and Jesus rides toward Jerusalem. The multitude spreads garments and cries, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest” (v. 38). Pharisees demand, “Master, rebuke thy disciples.” Jesus answers, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (v. 40).

A humble entrance—on a colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. An honoured entrance: crowds shouting Hosanna. A hated entrance: religious leaders wanting silence.

Then Jesus looks over Jerusalem and weeps: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes” (v. 42). He prophesies the city’s destruction—because they knew not the time of their visitation.

Friends, Jesus still rides into hearts today, humbly, seeking the lost like Zacchaeus, calling us to occupy faithfully, entering as King amid praise or hatred. Some receive Him joyfully. Some say, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Some day the stones will cry out if we stay silent.

This Christmas week, hear Him calling your name. Make haste. Come down. Receive Him joyfully. And occupy till He comes.

See you tomorrow for Luke 20. Grace and peace! 🙏

  • Jonathan VandenHurk
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18th December – Luke 18: “Life Everlasting”
18th December – Luke 18: “Life Everlasting” 1920 1080 Jonathan VandenHurk

18th December – Luke 18: “Life Everlasting”

Hey friends, welcome to 18th December. As Christmas nears and a new year approaches, Luke 18 turns our eyes from the temporary to the eternal. Prayer connects our fleeting days to forever, and the one question that matters most, but was worded wrong by a young man in this chapter: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Part 1 – Prayer and the Sinner’s Cry (vv. 1-14) Jesus gives two parables on prayer: First, the persistent widow and the unjust judge: “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (v. 1). God, unlike the judge, loves to answer His own, who cry day and night. Second, the Pharisee and the publican in the temple. The Pharisee boasts, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men.” The publican, standing afar off, won’t even lift his eyes: “God be merciful to me a sinner” (v. 13). Jesus says, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other” (v. 14).

Robert Murray McCheyne, whose ministry lasted only seven short years, once said, “There is nothing a natural man hates more than prayer… One calm hour with God is worth more than a whole lifetime with men.” The most important prayer any of us will ever pray is the publican’s: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” It’s the cry that opens the door to everlasting life.

Part 2 – Life Everlasting (vv. 18-30) A rich young ruler runs to Jesus, kneels, and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replies, “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God” (v. 19). Then He lists the commandments. The young man says, “All these have I observed from my youth.” Jesus, beholding him, loves him, and says, “One thing thou lackest: sell all that thou hast… and come, follow me.” The man goes away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Jesus tells the stunned disciples, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (v. 24). Then the impossible promise: “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (v. 27, cf. Mark 10:27). Peter says, “Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” Jesus answers, “There is no man that hath left house… for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting” (vv. 29-30).

He had position, possibility, possessions, even religious purpose, but he also had pride keeping him from admitting he needed a Saviour. Eternal life isn’t earned; it’s received as a gift. As we face a new year, don’t make plans just for the next twelve months… make plans for forever.

Part 3 – Receive Thy Sight (vv. 31-43) Jesus takes the Twelve aside and plainly tells them everything coming in Jerusalem: betrayal, mockery, scourging, death, and resurrection on the third day. “But they understood none of these things” (v. 34). Their eyes were holden.

Then outside Jericho, blind Bartimaeus hears Jesus passing by and cries, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd rebukes him, but he cries even louder. Jesus stops: “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus says, “Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee” (v. 42). Immediately he sees, follows Jesus, and glorifies God.

The disciples had eyes but couldn’t see the cross ahead. The blind man had no eyes yet saw Jesus as Lord. Faith opened his eyes, to both physical sight and everlasting life.

Three scenes, one urgent message as Christmas and a new year approach: Pray without fainting; and start with the sinner’s cry for mercy. Nothing you can do will earn eternal life. It’s a gift received by faith alone in Christ alone. Cry out to Jesus to open your eyes; He still saves and gives sight to the blind.

Friends, the Babe in Bethlehem grew up to die and rise so you could have life everlasting. Don’t leave this year, or this life, without it.

See you tomorrow for Luke 19. Grace and peace! 🙏

  • Jonathan VandenHurk
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17 December — Luke 17, “Increase Our Faith”
17 December — Luke 17, “Increase Our Faith” 1920 1080 Jonathan VandenHurk
https://youtu.be/69x2jVugo6E

17th December – Luke 17: “Increase Our Faith”

Hey friends, welcome to December 17th. As Christmas draws near—the celebration of the greatest act of forgiveness the world has ever known—Luke 17 comes with a simple, desperate plea from the disciples: “Increase our faith!” (v. 5). Jesus answers with teachings that show faith isn’t about size, but about direction—toward God, not ourselves.

  1. Faith When Offended – Protect the Little Ones Jesus warns, “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (vv. 1-2). “Little ones” means not just children, but every vulnerable believer. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s guard the innocence and faith of those around us—especially the young. Take heed to yourselves: don’t cause stumbling. Faith means living in a way that draws others closer to Jesus, not pushes them away.
  2. Faith to Offer Forgiveness – “Forgive Him” “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (vv. 3-4). Peter thought seven times was generous, but Jesus later shows (in Matthew 18) it’s seventy times seven. The kingdom is built on forgiveness—because we’ve been forgiven an unpayable debt.

Corrie ten Boom, who survived a Nazi concentration camp where her sister Betsie died, once faced a former guard after the war. He approached her after she spoke on forgiveness: “How good it is to know that all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!” He extended his hand. Corrie froze—she couldn’t forgive on her own. She prayed silently, “Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.” As she took his hand, God’s love flooded through her, and she said, “I forgive you, brother, with all my heart.” Faith believes God’s grace is big enough to cover every offense against us, just as it covered every offense we committed against Him. This Christmas, let forgiveness flow freely—because at the manger, Forgiveness Himself arrived.

  1. Faith in God, Not Ourselves – “As a Grain of Mustard Seed” The apostles cry, “Increase our faith!” Jesus replies, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (v. 6). Faith isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. Even tiny, mustard-seed faith, fixed on God, moves mountains. It comes by hearing the Word (Rom. 10:17). In the new year, let’s not trust our own strength, but His power working through our weakness.

4. Faith’s Obligation to Serve – “It Was Our Duty” Jesus paints a picture: A servant comes in from plowing or tending sheep. Does the master say, “Come and sit down to eat”? No—he says, “Prepare my supper, gird yourself, serve me… afterward you shall eat and drink.” “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (vv. 7-10). Faith serves without expecting applause. We don’t earn brownie points with God—everything we do is simply our duty. Spiritual apathy creeps in when we start thinking God owes us. But true faith says, “We are unprofitable servants—we’ve only done what was expected.”

5. Faith to Offer Thanks – “One of Them Turned Back” Ten lepers cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He tells them, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” As they go, they’re cleansed. One—a Samaritan—turns back, falls at Jesus’ feet, and gives thanks with a loud voice. Jesus asks, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (vv. 11-19). Only one returned to give glory to God. Faith doesn’t just ask—it thanks. This Christmas, may we be the one who turns back, loud with gratitude for the mercy we’ve received.

6. Faith that is Open to God’s Plan.

When the Pharisees ask when the Kingdom of God should come, Christ makes a distinction between the Kingdom now and in the future. The Kingdom now “cometh not with observation,” but is “within you.” He explains first the Son of Man must suffer many things and “be rejected of this generation.” But then He speaks of a day when the Son of Man will come as lightning out of Heaven in His day, which will be with “observation,” for sure. He says the physical Kingdom of God will be in a different generation to His first coming. We know it has now been many generations since. But we are just that many generations closer to what Christ, in the rest of the chapter, says will indeed happen. Before it happens it will be as in the days of Noah and Lot, with people eating and drinking right up until the day, without any notice of the coming judgement. These are things people will be doing this Christmas, without any thought of future judgement, which will precede the coming Kingdom. As God pulled Lot out of Sodom before judgement on that city, God will pull the church out of the world before that terrible day. As God protected Noah through the judgment of the Flood, God will protect Israel and other Tribulation Saints who will be saved during that terrible day. We must not only be open to God’s way of bringing in the Kingdom, but also looking for it, and having our eyes open for it. Israel will have to watch during that time, and Christ speaks of a day they will have to run. But for many alive at that time, the judgement will sneak up on them. Never think, God will do it my way; He is not a God who will judge me. You will not get away with it if. When Christ comes, judgement will come. When the disciples ask, “Where, Lord?” in the last verse, Christ speaks of the eagles that will gather at the future Battle of Armageddon. He is looking ahead to what the Book of Revelation calls “The Supper of the Great God,” where the birds of the air will gather to clean up after the battle of Armageddon. While believers eat in Heaven, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9), the earth will be preparing for the terrible Supper of the Great God (Revelation 19:15-18). As you go to feasts this time of year, ask yourself the sobering question, which of those two feasts would you rather be at?

The whole chapter circles one plea: “Lord, increase our faith!” Faith that protects the vulnerable. Faith that forgives freely—even when it feels impossible, because God supplies the power. Faith that trusts God’s power. Faith that serves humbly. Faith that thanks loudly.

Friends, as Christmas nears, let’s echo the disciples: “Increase our faith!” He’s still the same Jesus who cleanses, forgives, and empowers—even mustard-seed faith.

See you tomorrow for Luke 18. Grace and peace! 🙏

  • Jonathan VandenHurk
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16 December — Luke 16, “Faithful In the Temporary, With Eyes On Eternity”
16 December — Luke 16, “Faithful In the Temporary, With Eyes On Eternity” 150 150 Jonathan VandenHurk

16 December — Luke 16, “Faithful In the Temporary, With Eyes On Eternity”

Hey friends, welcome to December 16th. As we edge toward a new year, Luke 16 hits like a divine audit — parables and a true story challenging us to examine our stewardship. What are we doing with the time, talents, and treasures God has loaned us? Faithful stewardship isn’t just about tithing or budgeting; it’s about eternal perspective. In the coming year, let’s commit to using every temporary gift for eternal impact—being faithful in the little, so God can entrust us with much.

Part 1 – The Unjust Steward: Wise Stewardship in the Temporary (vv. 1-13)

A rich man hears his steward is wasting his goods. He calls him in: “Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.”

The steward, knowing he’s about to be fired, shrewdly reduces the debts of his master’s debtors so they’ll welcome him when he’s out of a job.

The master actually commends him—not for dishonesty, but for shrewdness. Jesus says,

“The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (vv. 8-9).

The point? The world is shrewd with temporary things—why aren’t we, as children of light, even shrewder for eternity? Use earthly resources—money, opportunities, relationships—wisely and eternally. Be faithful in the temporary to be trusted with the eternal.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much… If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (vv. 10-11).

“No servant can serve two masters… Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (v. 13).

As we step into a new year, let’s apply these stewardship principles:

  • Our Finances: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Ps. 24:1). God gives us power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18), but we’re stewards, not owners. In 2026, budget with eternity in mind—give generously, avoid debt traps, and remember, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6).
  • Our Friendships: Like the steward making friends for the future, invest in souls. Share the gospel, disciple others—turn temporary relationships into eternal ones. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Dan. 12:3).
  • Our Faith: After faith for salvation, faithfulness begins, but it often starts small. Prove trustworthy in daily devotion, integrity at work, kindness to strangers—and God will open doors to greater things. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16).

Stewardship is worship—serving God, not mammon, with everything He’s given.

Part 2 – The Rich Man and Lazarus: The Eternal Stakes (vv. 19-31)

A rich man lives in luxury—purple, fine linen, feasting every day.

At his gate lies Lazarus, full of sores, craving crumbs, dogs licking his wounds.

Both die. Death is the great equaliser, and like the famous boards in New York and London after the Titanic, “Those known to be saved,” and “Those known to be lost,” all that matters at death is not our wealth, status, or class. It is whether we are saved or lost!

Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man lifts up his eyes in hell, “being in torments.”

He begs Abraham: “Father Abraham, have mercy… send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (v. 24).

Abraham answers, “Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed.”

The rich man’s final plea: “Send him to my father’s house… lest they also come into this place of torment” (v. 28).

Abraham’s reply: “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them… If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (vv. 29, 31).

Purple and fine linen come to nothing. Daily feasting ends.

Hell is real—conscious, eternal torment. The rich man’s prayer from hell is too late—for himself and his brothers.

As Charles Spurgeon warned: “Think lightly of Hell, and you will think lightly of the cross. Think little of the sufferings of lost souls and you will soon think little of the Saviour who delivers them.”

In a new year full of distractions, don’t waste your stewardship chasing what fades. Hell’s reality should fuel our urgency to live faithfully and share the gospel.

Three truths for the new year:

Be faithful in the little—money, time, influence—because it prepares us for true riches.

Serve God, not mammon—because you can’t do both.

Hear Moses, the prophets, and the One who rose from the dead—while there’s still time.

Friends, this Christmas, while the world chases purple and feasting, remember: one day the gate will close, the gulf will be fixed.

But today, the Saviour who rose from the dead still says, “Come.”

Steward well. Live eternally. Start this new year faithful.

See you tomorrow for Luke 17. Grace and peace! 🙏

  • Jonathan VandenHurk
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15th December – Luke 15: “Rejoice With Me!”
15th December – Luke 15: “Rejoice With Me!” 1920 1080 Jonathan VandenHurk

15th December – Luke 15: “Rejoice With Me!”

Hey friends, welcome to December 15th. Luke 15 is heaven’s favourite chapter, the one that makes angels sing. Tax collectors and sinners are drawing near to Jesus, and the Pharisees grumble: “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Jesus answers with a parable with three parts that climb like a crescendo, each ending with the same heavenly sentiments: “Rejoice with me!”

Part 1 – The Son Seeking the Lost Sheep (vv. 3-7)

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing… Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost” (vv. 4-6).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Son who seeks. He doesn’t wait for the sheep to find its way—He goes into the wilderness, over mountains and thorns, until He finds it. Then, gently, He lays it on His shoulders and carries it home.

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (v. 7).

Part 2 – The Spirit Seeking the Lost Coin (vv. 8-10)

“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost” (vv. 8-9).

Here’s the Holy Spirit, lighting the lamp of God’s Word to shine into dark corners, sweeping with conviction to expose our sin and need, searching diligently until the lost is found. That silver coin was likely part of a bride’s headdress, precious and personal. You’re not just a face in the crowd to God; you’re treasured.

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (v. 10).

Part 3 – The Father Seeking the Lost Son (vv. 11-32)

We know this one… the younger son demands his inheritance, wastes it in the far country, ends up in a pigsty, “comes to himself,” and heads home rehearsing, “Father, I have sinned…”

“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (v. 20).

The Father, waiting, watching, running (undignified for an Eastern patriarch), embracing the stink of pigs and prodigality, restoring robe, ring, shoes, feast. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (v. 24).

Even the elder brother’s grumbling can’t dim the celebration.

Three parables, one heartbeat:

The Son seeks and carries.

The Spirit shines and convicts.

The Father runs and restores.

And every time one sinner repents, heaven throws a party: “Rejoice with me!”

Friends, this Christmas, remember: you were the lost sheep on His shoulders, the lost coin under His lamp, the lost son in His arms.

And if you’re still far off, hear the Father running toward you right now.

There’s joy in heaven waiting to break loose over you.

Come home.

See you tomorrow for Luke 16. Grace and peace, and ring the bells of heaven! 🙏

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    What to expect

    • Parking

      There is parking at both buildings. In Newborough, if we run out of parking in front of the Community Centre, there is usually plenty of free space along Guntons Road to park.

      In Dogsthorpe, entrance to the car park is from the rear of the building on Poplar Avenue (Because Poplar Avenue is one-way only, turn onto Eastern Ave., take your first left onto Poplar Ave., and drive to the end to find the car park). Alternatively, we may use the back of the local Spar shop’s car park on Welland Road. Sometimes the neighbours do get upset if we use the spaces across the street from the building on Welland Road.

      BUS: The Dogsthorpe building is a 13 minute bus ride from the Queensgate Bus Station.

      TRAIN: Of interest, Peterborough is only a 50 minute train ride from London King’s Cross. Let us know if you need a lift from the station.

    • Where do I sit during service?

      There are no assigned seats; just sit where you like. Every seat has a great view of our screens that displays lyrics to songs, onscreen Bible notes, and announcements.

    • Music

      We will be singing traditional hymns (the words will be on a large screen, but if you have trouble seeing it, we also have hymnals available). We believe you will also be blessed by the wonderful variety of “Ministry in Song,” as part of each Sunday service, which sometimes includes a children, teen, and adult choir.

    • Children

      During the Sunday morning service your young child can enjoy an optional créche and on Sunday afternoon (2:30 – 3:30 pm), a Sunday School for all ages (during term times). In the evening services, while we do not have a dedicated children’s work, you can take care of your young one if needed, in a special Parents’ Room called the Tots Corner.

      In the autumn your children can attend our annual Holiday Bible Club for ages 4+, and in the summer your children ages 8+ would love to attend Camp Victory in Droitwich Spa. In May, they can also take part in the National Sunday School Day and Parade, run by the Crown Christian Heritage Trust.

    • Teen

      In addition to the weekly Calvary Youth class in Afternoon Sunday School, your teens (Year 6+) would love to take part in our Youth Group, which meets each first and third Friday of the month (7-9 pm). Some of our Youth Group’s favourite events each year is summer Camp Victory in Droitwich Spa, and National Youth Rallies each Spring and Autumn.

    • Dress

      Come as you are! Some people might be dressed up in their Sunday best, but there will be plenty of others dressed casually. Whatever you’d like to do really, as long as it is comfortable and tasteful.

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