Author: faithrootsdw

Why look at Chronicles?

Here is the first in our series on 1 and 2 Chronicles. There’s a video to watch or podcast to listen to with outline notes to accompany below. There’s also some discussions for personal reflection and discussion below too. We associate “Chronicles” with the writing of an alternative history.  Perhaps an alternative version of events… Continue reading Why look at Chronicles?

Proverbs – prescriptions, promises or principles?

We want to be clear that when we come to the book of Proverbs, we are not opening up a box of promises or predictions about how our lives will go.  Now are they to be treated as prescriptive commands to be followed in a ritualistic or legalistic manner.  So, we sometimes talk about the… Continue reading Proverbs – prescriptions, promises or principles?

Jesus and Gender revisited

One question that sometimes gets asked is how Jesus as a man could represent women in his death and resurrection, bringing salvation to all.  Amy Peeler, has offered this solution to the perceived problem. All orthodox Christians who affirm the virginal conception would affirm that he—in a way unique to the human race—embraces female and… Continue reading Jesus and Gender revisited

Lashing out and sounding off

This group of proverbs warn about the danger of making quick, surface responses.  There are those who are quick to sound off, to give their opinion, to let others know what they think and feel, everything is brimming up close to the surface. Examples of this type of person include those who are unloving and… Continue reading Lashing out and sounding off

Summing up the message of Isaiah

The message of Isaiah can be summed up as follows.  First, that we are rebel sinners. We have been unfaithful to God and chosen idolatry over worship and trust in him.  Isaiah warns us that we will become like our idols, impotent, hardened, powerless, ignorant.  Secondly, the consequence of sin and idolatry is God’s righteous… Continue reading Summing up the message of Isaiah

There is a hope

Throughout Isaiah, among all the warnings of judgement and desolation are scattered promises of salvation and restoration for God’s people. In the early parts of the book, the theme of judgement is the one that dominates but there is light in the darkness with the calling of a messenger, glimpses of God’s glory and the… Continue reading There is a hope

Where did we get the whole idea of Atonement from?  – A response to Matthew Parris

Matthew Parris has written in the Spectator arguing that: Christians should face up to this: the whole atonement thing is a terrible muddle, a tangle of primitive and modern thinking, a proselytising salesman’s wheeze, a mess. Trying to make sense of it is a waste of time. Blame Paul. But don’t blame Jesus: it was… Continue reading Where did we get the whole idea of Atonement from?  – A response to Matthew Parris