SIMON PETER: Fear and Faith - Michael Coltman

Mark 8.27-38. Within a minute, Peter goes from hero to zero as his prophetic revelation of Jesus' identity is followed immediately by a hell-inspired attempt to divert Jesus from his saving mission. How can we in turn grow in our expression of the prophetic and avoid getting it all wrong? 14 September 2025.

Matthew 14.22-33. How do you move away from anxiety, towards trust in Christ? This well-known story of Peter's adventurous but wobbling faith has much to teach us about fixing our eyes on the Lord and keeping them there when it's tempting to divert them towards what scares us most. 7 September 2025.

John 1.40-42 and Luke 5.1-11. Simon Peter must be the most loveable and endearing of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Who cannot identify with his journey of faith, punctuated with human failings? But Jesus called him first and invested in him most because he saw particular qualities in him - qualities he longs to see in us too. 31 August 2025.

Ruth 4.1-22.
 Chapter 4 of Ruth completes the story arc from ruin - to refuge - to redemption. After a last minute twist, Boaz marries Ruth, becoming her and Naomi's “guardian-redeemer.” Ruth then bears a child who will become King David's grandfather and feature in Jesus' family tree. The story of Ruth shows how God's wise sovereignty cannot be derailed, which is an unspeakably precious truth for us as Christians.
 17 August 2025.

Ruth 4.1-22. Chapter 4 of Ruth completes the story arc from ruin - to refuge - to redemption. After a last minute twist, Boaz marries Ruth, becoming her and Naomi's “guardian-redeemer.” Ruth then bears a child who will become King David's grandfather and feature in Jesus' family tree. The story of Ruth shows how God's wise sovereignty cannot be derailed, which is an unspeakably precious truth for us as Christians. 17 August 2025.

Ruth 3.1-18. With the barley harvest now over and eligible bachelor Boaz showing no romantic interest in Ruth, Naomi devises a high-risk plan to bring matters to a head, which Ruth bravely delivers. As Christians, we live by faith, not by sight, and are called to a life of obedience. So this chapter is rich with truth for us as well. 10 August 2025.

Ruth 2.1-23. Back in Bethlehem, a destitute Ruth gleans barley in the field of a wealthy landowner called Boaz. He notices her hard work, protects her and provides for her. It dawns on Naomi that Boaz is a relative and potential “guardian-redeemer,” offering both Ruth and Naomi a glimpse of hope. In all this, God is subtly but decisively at work. 3 August 2025.

Ruth 1.6-22. Following Naomi’s series of tragic sorrows at the beginning of chapter 1, she decides there is no future for her in Moab, and makes plans to return heartbroken to Bethlehem. One of her daughters-in-law, Orpah, opts to remain in Moab but the other, Ruth, in a breathtaking display of love and loyalty, proves inseparable. Ruth’s kindness and faithfulness echo the grace that the Lord shows to us. Just as Ruth accompanies Naomi home, Christ walks with us through life’s deepest disappointments. 27 July 2025.

Ruth 1.1-5. The Old Testament book of Ruth is a beautiful short story of calamity, loyalty, vulnerability, hospitality and opportunity, with growing romantic suspense. Through all the changing fortunes of the story’s characters, the author skilfully shows how God slowly but surely weaves his grander purposes of grace and redemption into the everyday ups and downs of our lives. But the first five verses of Ruth 1 could hardly supply a more tragic introduction to the story… 20 July 2025.

Philippians 4.10-23. The letter to the Philippians draws to a close with some final remarks from Paul before he signs off and sends his letter on. The end of the letter focuses on giving and gratitude, and it has much to say to us about generosity and God’s supply of all our needs. 13 July 2025.