This week’s podcast
Author: faithrootsdw
Introducing Isaiah
Backdrop The setting for the book of Isaiah is the reigns of four kings of Judah, Uzziah, Ahaz, Jotham and Hezekiah. The kingdom of Israel had split into two after Solomon’s death. Israel in the north was the larger, with most of the tribes joining and also the more prosperous due to its situation on… Continue reading Introducing Isaiah
Becoming like our idols
What is it that we most need in this uncertain and chaotic world? What is it that will change our perspective on everything? Isaiah ch 6 gives us some pointers! Read Isaiah 6 Uzziah had been a successful king but in his later years lost his way becoming puffed up with pride. He sought to… Continue reading Becoming like our idols
Sex talk – responding to that (now pulled) TGC article.
The Gospel Coalition recently published an excerpt from Josh Butler’s book, Beautiful Union, entitled “Sex won’t save you but it will point to the one who can.” The article prompted a lot of internet outrage and they’ve since pulled it, suggesting that the problem was a lack of context from the book, so they’ve instead… Continue reading Sex talk – responding to that (now pulled) TGC article.
The Vineyard
Isaiah continues with the horticultural theme of vines, branches and vineyards. God is the farmer who plants a vineyard (Israel) but what does he find when he comes to it? Read Isaiah 5:1-7 This section takes the form of a song, a love song with echoes of Song of Songs, Isaiah sings of the Lord… Continue reading The Vineyard
Disagreement, dislike and intolerance
Over the past few days, a few stories have been circulating concerning religious tolerance. I’ve picked up on two of them. First, there was the case of Kate Forbes and her bid to lead the SNP in Scotland. Then there was the issue of tensions over treatment of a Quran in a school in West… Continue reading Disagreement, dislike and intolerance
On preachers borrowing from others -responding to John Benton and the evening service debate
John Benton has written on the London Seminary blog about why pastors should continue to fight for the Sunday evening service. I don’t want to rehearse all the arguments relating to this now. First because Steve Kneale has already done an excellent job here and secondly because I’ve engaged with the arguments previously. Like Steve,… Continue reading On preachers borrowing from others -responding to John Benton and the evening service debate
Can you be an unhappy Christian?
Dane Ortlund, author of Gently and Lowly recently tweeted this quote from Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones. This has ironically left quite a few people unhappy. There is a risk with this kind of statement, especially without nuance and separated from context that it can give the impression that Christians are meant to walk around with… Continue reading Can you be an unhappy Christian?
purification
Reading through the early chapters of Isaiah, it becomes clear that the coming “Day of the Lord” when judgement and punishment will be visited on Israel is not just about punishment, not just about the destruction of wickedness but rather it is about purification and restoration. The aim is that through this refining experience that… Continue reading purification
chaotic folly
What does judgement look like? What would judgement on a church, a community, a nation? Read Isaiah chapter 3:1-4:1 Judgement for Israel and Judah involves the stripping away of all of their resources and means of support including food supplies. It then leads to the removal of leaders and protectors. The wise, experienced and strong… Continue reading chaotic folly
