Here’s the latest in my Bible Communications series of videos. The aim of these videos is to help those involved in Bible teaching whether preachers, Bible study leaders or children and youth workers. Here we look at how the NT picks up on echoes from the OT. We use the parable of the Prodigal Son… Continue reading The true and better older brother
Author: faithrootsdw
“Today I have begotten you!” Was there a time when Jesus was not God’s Son?
In a recent article, I responded to one Muslim objection to the Trinity. Because Islam relies on the same thinking as the Arians we might note that the concerns raised by them will be similar to the kinds of objections raised by other sceptics on the Trinity such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Another example of… Continue reading “Today I have begotten you!” Was there a time when Jesus was not God’s Son?
Is job creation part of The Church’s mission?
There’s an interesting article in this month’s Evangelicals Now by Phil Hanson and Terry Young arguing that the church should be involved in creating jobs. There is much that I like about the article. I agree that we shouldn’t stop at offering charity. Foodbanks and help to pay off debt are good, food pantries where… Continue reading Is job creation part of The Church’s mission?
Unique generation? Responding to a Muslim’s challenges about Jesus and the Trinity
One of the big issues that Muslims have with Christianity is the Doctrine of the Trinity and the implications that has for the belief that Jesus is God. I thought it might be helpful to pick up on one of those issues. First of all, some Muslims have issues with John 1:18 which says: “ 18 No… Continue reading Unique generation? Responding to a Muslim’s challenges about Jesus and the Trinity
Parables and punchlines
One of my daughters’ favourite jokes goes along the lines of Knock knock Who’s there? Dave Oh come in Dave Jokes rely on a good punchline and the best punchline’s offer a twist, a surprise. In this case, the format of the knock knock joke is subverted. You are surprised because the joke doesn’t end… Continue reading Parables and punchlines
Goodbye Beefeater
Soon Beefeater will be no more. A few years ago, this would have perhaps generated more grief for us. For much of the early days of our marriage, the restaurant chain provided a convenient, reliable dating option. Although a little more expensive than a Weatherspoon’s or Harvester, it wasn’t too expensive and as Sarah has… Continue reading Goodbye Beefeater
Training is part of the job, not an optional extra
I sometimes come across churches that are offering training roles for potential pastors and workers. Sometimes what that means is that the person will work part time for the church whilst studying part time for the rest of the week. It may be that at that stage the church can only afford to pay someone… Continue reading Training is part of the job, not an optional extra
Lessons from Butlins
We are recently back from what feels like it is becoming an annual expedition to Butlins. We find that it offers a safe, reliable holiday with everything onsite that suites our family well. For me, there’s also a touch of nostalgia as I used to go with my parents and sister to a Christian holiday… Continue reading Lessons from Butlins
Lost sons and lost brothers
Two caterpillars are sitting on a wall when a butterfly goes past. One says to the other “You won’t get me up in one of those things.” Jokes and parables have something in common. They rely on a good punchline. The punchline, not just to the parable of the prodigal son but to all… Continue reading Lost sons and lost brothers
Three letters that transformed the World
On the face of it, Paul’s letter to Philemon looks like a private, personal appeal and yet, there it appears as a public instruction in Scripture. Given that Paul includes others in his address and particularly the whole church community meeting in a home suggests he intended it as such. What is it about Paul’s… Continue reading Three letters that transformed the World
