Eschatology and Isaiah

Isaiah frequently employs imagery that looks back to Eden to envisage an ideal world where there is peace and harmony not just between humans but also between creatures.  A classic and well known example of this would be 11:6-9 where famously, lions, wolves, leopards, lambs and calves can live side by side and small children… Continue reading Eschatology and Isaiah

Is “My Song is Love Unknown” antisemitic?

Originally posted on Faithroots:
I’ve written a few times about the growing resurgence in antisemitism. I talk in terms of resurgence because this is a historic problem and whilst we think primarily of Nazi Germany, neither Britain nor the church has a good record here. Testimony to our failure include the writings of Martin Luther…

The New Heavens and New Earth

What is your experience of living in “the now and the not yet” between Jesus first coming and second coming? Are you looking forward to his return, excited about eternity? Do you ever become despondent and ask “How long?” Does it ever feel as though God is distant and silent? Read Isaiah 65 -66 Yahweh’s… Continue reading The New Heavens and New Earth

Why getting our theology around sex and marriage is important but difficult

A few weeks back, controversy erupted around The Gospel Coalition publishing an extract from Josh Butler’s up and coming book, Beautiful Union.  Recently, Preston Sprinkle hosted Josh along with Sandy Richter, an OT scholar and Brenna Blain, an advocate for abuse victims on his podcast to discuss the book and the controversy.  You can watch… Continue reading Why getting our theology around sex and marriage is important but difficult

Does the Father turn his back on the Son?

On the Cross, Jesus cried out these words My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 It’s a quote from the first line of Psalm 22.  Stuart Townend in his hymn, “How Deep the Father’s Love for us picks up on the quote with the poetic line “…The Father turns his face… Continue reading Does the Father turn his back on the Son?

How big should you grow and at what size should you plant?

A friend recently asked this question on Twitter. Now, these kinds of polls are great at getting a quick reaction but often the answers need some detail and nuance.  Often, we find ourselves responding with “it depends”.  So, they work best when they generate further conversation and discussion.  This, to my mind is one such… Continue reading How big should you grow and at what size should you plant?

The New Jerusalem

Remember how back in chapter 22, judgement on Jerusalem was announced?  Well, we’ve been told in chapter 40 that the prophet is to speak comfort to the city and now as we come to the close of the book, God himself sings over the city.  Keen eyes will observe that the end of Isaiah is… Continue reading The New Jerusalem