Author: faithrootsdw

How to approach a longer preaching series

Recently I wrote about the benefits of preaching longer series through larger books of the Bible, including the major Old Testament books.  Those books which might take significantly longer include the major prophets such as Isaiah as well the Pentateuch and the history books.  It’s possible to spend a year or even longer working week… Continue reading How to approach a longer preaching series

Beautiful Union?

I recently wrote in response to an article that appeared on The Gospel Coalition website. The article was an extract from Josh Butler’s new book “Beautiful Union: How God’s Vision for Sex Points Us to the Good, Unlocks the True, and (Sort of) Explains Everything”  The extract provoked a great deal of controversy, hence the… Continue reading Beautiful Union?

Adoption: What God says about you

When King Saul and his sons died in battle, one of the few survivors from the family was a little boy called Mephibosheth.   As his family fled, he was dropped, irreparably damaging his legs so that he was unable to walk.[1]  Later King David expressed the desire to show kindness to relatives of Jonathan, Saul’s… Continue reading Adoption: What God says about you

Why does Proverbs focus so much on two commands “honour your parents” and “Do not commit adultery”?

The wisdom literature, including both Psalms and Proverbs provides reflection and meditation on the Law, helping us to think through God’s commands and apply them to our circumstances.  You may notice, as you read through them that there seems to be a heavy focus on two commands “Honour your parents” and “Do not commit adultery.” … Continue reading Why does Proverbs focus so much on two commands “honour your parents” and “Do not commit adultery”?

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