Andrew Baker | Matthew 2:1-6,11; Acts 17:26-28; Proverbs 9:10 — Matthew’s inclusion of the wise men narrative assures us that Jesus’ coming is not just for those with great knowledge or of a certain genealogy. It is for those who practice true wisdom: looking upward rather than inward; seeking and following Him; and overflowing with worship.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 35:1-10; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 5:10, 21:3; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:22 — The OT Prophets bear witness to a future in which all brokenness is healed, all creation is restored, and in which God will dwell forevermore with His beloved children. Our blessed hope is the Messiah who has come and who is coming again; who through love will make all things new.

Andrew Baker | Hosea 1:2-9, 2:14-20,23; Genesis 2:18-23; Ephesians 5:32; Deuteronomy 6:4-5 — The Old Testament prophecies point to a Messiah who would not only come to rule and reign, but to restore mankind back to the very purpose for which God created them - a relationship of communion and covenantal love.

Andrew Baker | Acts 2:4-12, 15:5,11-18; Isaiah 11:10, 49:6, 45:20-25; Zechariah 2:10-11; Jeremiah 16:19-21; Galatians 3:8-9,16,26-29; Genesis 11:1-4,8-9; Joshua 24:2; Deuteronomy 32:8-9; Psalm 82:1,6-8; Luke 4:17,22,24-27; John 11:49-52 — Across the breadth of prophetic scripture, we consistently see that God’s plan was for a Messiah who would come to redeem and reconcile all nations - not just one people group. No one is beyond His loving pursuit, and no culture, language, or far-off land is beyond His reach.

Andrew Baker | Psalm 105:5 — As we look back on the highs and lows of the past year, may we do more than just ‘recall’ what God has done. Rather, may our hearts be recalibrated as we call to mind the faithfulness of our covenant-making, promise-keeping God.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 9:2-5, 14:12-15, 24:21, 34:4; Ephesians 6:12; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Daniel 7:13-14,27, 10:12-21; Psalm 82:1; Jeremiah 10:11; Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 8:19-21; Colossians 2:13-15 — Throughout the Prophetic scriptures we see vivid descriptions of evil spiritual forces which oppose God, rebelling against His purposes and influencing earthly events. But alongside these depictions we also see the promise of a great cosmic reversal: a Messiah who would not only achieve salvation for a sinful humanity, but an ultimate and decisive victory over every force of spiritual darkness.

Adam Ritchard | 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 2 Peter 3:1; Ephesians 3:18-19; Romans 12:1-2; Luke 9:23-25 — As humans we are prone to distraction and forgetfulness - we need reminders to stay on track. Paul’s message to the Corinthian church is a reminder to all believers: Christ’s restorative work on the Cross compels us to live as Christ’s ambassadors, doing all that we do with Him as our master and His love as our motivation.

Adam Ritchard | Psalm 23:3, 51:12, 85:1-7, 126:1; Genesis 50:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Joel 2:25; John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Acts 3:19-21; Revelation 21:5; Job 42:1-6,10 — Throughout scripture we see a God who restores and revives - in the midst of specific situations as well as the brokenness of humanity at large. While we wait in the tension between our life’s circumstances and this unchanging truth, may His restorative power revive our hearts to a deeper revelation of Him.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 9:2-7, 46:9-10, 53:4-6; Psalm 22:1,16, 110:1,4; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 5:5-6 — Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies point to the New Covenant’s fulfilment through a Messiah - one who would come to reign and restore. But instead of sending a conquering oppressor, God came Himself; stooping low in human flesh to surrender His life in self-giving love.

Andrew Baker | Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:19-20; Deuteronomy 60:6; Isaiah 53:5-6 — Throughout the Old Testament Prophetic Books, we see God continually calling His people back to covenant relationship with Himself. But, knowing they would continue to rebel, God declared the promise of a new everlasting covenant: freedom from iniquity; forgiveness of sins; and a new heart.

Andrew Baker | Job 42:5; Matthew 26:30; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Song of Songs 2:16, 6:3, 7:10 — The Bible is not just a historical narrative about God and humankind. In the 'wisdom literature’ books of Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, we see that God speaks directly into the depths of our human experience and the restless longing within each and every soul.

Adam Ritchard | Revelation 2:1-7; Luke 7:36-50, 10:38-42 — In John’s Revelation, the Church at Ephesus was commended by Jesus for their hard work, patient endurance, hate of evil, and sound doctrine. And yet they had abandoned their first love - the love of Jesus. How do we heed this warning and keep ‘the main thing’ the main thing; letting all that we do flow from loving Jesus as our highest priority?

Adam Ritchard | 2 Peter 1:8, 3:14-18; Philippians 1:6; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-2; Psalm 92:12-15; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:15 — To conclude his second letter, Peter instructs his readers to ‘grow’ in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. As in nature, genuine spiritual growth requires hard work, careful attention, and lots of perseverance. But as followers of Jesus this growth is essential, not an optional extra. How are you growing?

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 9:35-38; Isaiah 6:1,8, 59:1; Genesis 18:14; John 4:35; James 5:16; 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Jesus saw the great ‘lostness’ of humanity as an opportunity; a plentiful harvest ripe for the picking. As we consider how God’s Great Story is still unfolding today, may we respond to this same opportunity as He did: with expectant faith, deep compassion, earnest prayer, and urgent action. Just as Isaiah proclaimed, may we too cry “Here I am Lord, send me!”

Andrew Baker | Esther 1:10-12, 2:5-9,17,21-23, 3:5-7, 4:13-16, 5:1-5, 6:1-2, 7:1-7, 8:5,11, 9:15-17; Luke 1:1-4; Ephesians 2:10 — Can God’s promises still be fulfilled even when none shall call on His name? The book of Esther reminds us that God is not limited by borders or time or rulers or human faithlessness. He is sovereign over all, unfolding His purposes and plan through everyday ordinary moments - and inviting us to participate.

Andrew Baker | Ezra 1:1-4, 3:10-13, 7:1-6, 9:1-2, 10:7-11; Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:17-18, 6:15-16, 13:6-11,17-25,31 — King Cyrus rebuilt the temple; Ezra enforced the law of Moses; and Nehemiah repaired the city wall. But ultimately none of these external acts could truly change the hearts of God’s people. As we see the brokenness of the world all around us, may we not fight external battles with revenge, resistance, and force. Rather, may we be stirred with Christ-like compassion to love and forgive those around us - that the light of the Gospel would be allowed to transform hearts from the inside out.

Dave Pellowe | Genesis 1:1, 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-6; Ephesians 5:22-33; Jeremiah 3:3 — The essence and purpose of marriage is increasingly lost in our modern culture. This sacred, self-giving covenant relationship was not created by man or government, but by the pre-eminent God of all. Hear from Dave Pellowe, Director of Church and State, a ministry founded to educate Christians about the Scriptural and historical basis for Christian influence in society & politics.

Allan Meyer | Genesis 9:18-25; 2 Samuel 18:33; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3 — When faced with the sin of their fathers, the sons of Noah and of David did not act rightly, committing sin of their own that ultimately lead to death. How can we learn to love the imperfect people closest to us without taking on their sin as our own? Hear from Allan Meyer, pastor and co-founder of Careforce Lifekeys.

Andrew Baker | Jeremiah 7:25-28, 29:11; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1-3,14; Amos 7:7-8 — The Old Testament prophets were instituted by God at a specific time and for a very specific purpose - to speak the Words of a gracious and just God to a people who would repeatedly refuse to listen. For the nation of Israel and indeed for us: our authority, guide, strength, and ultimate hope is not found in any ruler or culture or system of the world, but in the eternal Word of the living God.

Kathryn Hartley | 1 Kings 18:46-19:18 — Though he had seen and done many great things as the Lord’s chosen prophet, Elijah found himself in a place of deep despair even wishing for death. But, rather than rebuke Elijah, God met him in the midst; caring for his physical needs, comforting him with nearness, and reshaping his perspective. When we, like Elijah, are at our wit’s end, may we take comfort in the God who reaches down in love to care for our most vulnerable self.