A big theme in Isaiah is “light in the darkness.” The situation described earlier in the book is of darkness falling on the land causing people to become lost, stumbling about. It’s the darkness of night because night and sleep are associated with sadness, despair and death. So, here in the later chapters, we are… Continue reading New Dawn
Author: faithrootsdw
The key difference between the volunteer and the staff worker
I saw this helpful thread from Tim Wilson, the other day about how to volunteer in church life without burning out. One useful observation he made was that church members shouldn’t compare what they are able to commit to with what a paid member of staff such as the pastor or youth worker can do. … Continue reading The key difference between the volunteer and the staff worker
The Difference Maker (Isaiah 53)
Here’s my outline notes for this Sunday’s sermon Introduction Acts 8 – Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – what prompts the radical and costly desire to be baptised? Answer = this chapter of Isaiah! God’s purpose and his vindication Take homes … the so what
A last conversation with Jesus
Here is a little series of talks I did on YouTube a couple of years ago which take us to the upper room and the conversation between Jesus and his disciples over the last supper.
Isaiah in a week – breaking the book down
Some of you have been working through Isaiah, a day at a time through Lent. Other’s wont have had time to do this but perhaps you’d like a different or additional challenge, to read through the book in the week leading up to Easter. Here’s a possible outline to help you do this. Even if… Continue reading Isaiah in a week – breaking the book down
Who were the legalists? 1 Corinthians 7 and ascetism
In response to my little series of articles on 1 Corinthians 7 and sexual ethics, I’ve been asked about why I suggest that the Corinthians may have been attempting to take an ascetic route of self denial and abstention which Paul might have had to correct. Surely, the problem in Corinth was the opposite. The… Continue reading Who were the legalists? 1 Corinthians 7 and ascetism
God’s chosen fast
Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking that the Old Testament is all about law and judgement whilst the New Testament is about grace, love and mercy. We rightly respond by showing that the Old is full of references to God’s love and compassion whilst Jesus and the apostles all talk about what it means… Continue reading God’s chosen fast
What is communion
This week’s podcast is the first of a two part mini series looking at what communion is, why we take it and how we should approach it.
The barren and the outcast
The impact of Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf is meant to be life transforming and community transforming. Read Isaiah 54-56 Isaiah pictures an infertile woman, seemingly deserted with it seeming impossible for her to have children. However, the barren one is blessed and now able to sing, she will have children and so… Continue reading The barren and the outcast
What does 1 Corinthians 7 actually say about sex, marriage and abstinence?
My social media timeline has been dominated recently by controversies about what Christians believe and the Bible teaches about sex and relationships. In the context of those controversies, 1 Corinthians 7 crops up frequently. The three particular contexts in which it has come up have been: I think that in fact, all three debates are… Continue reading What does 1 Corinthians 7 actually say about sex, marriage and abstinence?
