I’ve enjoyed reflecting on Luke 15 recently. Here’s an alternative approach to narrative preaching through the chapter with a focus on the parable of the prodigal son.
Category: Bible Study
When you’re not lost
I’ve been enjoying reflecting further on the parables about being lost in Luke 15. Once you’ve established what the main punchline of a Bible passage is, I believe that it is legitimate to draw out further reflections and insights. It’s possible to be lost and know you are lost. It’s also possible to be lost… Continue reading When you’re not lost
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
You didn’t stop: Neighbours, the Good Samaritan and justification
So your child comes home from school and tells you that they learnt about the parable of the Good Samaritan. You get them to tell you the story. They remember it perfectly. “fantastic” You think. So you follow up with the question: “And what was the parable about? What did it mean?” They think for… Continue reading You didn’t stop: Neighbours, the Good Samaritan and justification
On lukewarmness: What was the real problem at Laodicea?
We are very familiar with Jesus’ letter to the church at Laodicea. This the church where Jesus says that he is standing at the door, knocking, ready to come in. It’s also the church where Jesus says that they are lukewarm and that he is ready to vomit them up. The reference is to two… Continue reading On lukewarmness: What was the real problem at Laodicea?
Encouraging faith
Here’s a sermon I preached a little while back on Ephesians 3:14-21
Lost
Here’s a sermon I preached a little while back on Luke 15
Will any dream do? (featured e-book)
If you are looking for some studies to work through over the summer break, why not have a look at this little e-book available on our publications page. The story of Joseph has been popularised, particularly through productions such as Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat. However, the result has been a mythology that is a… Continue reading Will any dream do? (featured e-book)
Yet Christ -word order and finding our focus in Scripture
Word order in Greek and Hebrew matters. It tells you where the emphasis or focus is. What is the priority. So, here’s something fascinating. We are familiar with Romans 5:6 which says “For, while we were yet sinners, at just the right time, Christ died for us.” It’s a fantastic verse. However, get this. The… Continue reading Yet Christ -word order and finding our focus in Scripture
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