I found this article by Steve Kneale very thought provoking. Steve picks up on two things which we can miss. First, I think we can so sanitise Bible accounts (it’s true of the life of Abraham and the account of Esther too), in order to make them fit for Sunday School and so we iron… Continue reading The bitterness of Naomi
Category: Bible Study
The exchange
In previous articles we have looked at the positive vision of God’s design for sex and relationships, marriage between one man and one woman. So, what does God and his word think about same sex relationships? Romans 1:18-32 has been the starting point for many. Early in his letter to the Romans, Paul brings good… Continue reading The exchange
Does a Biblical worldview require the death penalty?
The understandable response from some people to the horrific attack in Belfast on the 8th June and the reporting of the trial of Henry Nowak’s killer has been to call for a return of the death penalty. I say “understandable” because I can fully grasp why for many that is the gut response. I share… Continue reading Does a Biblical worldview require the death penalty?
What would you need to survive in the desert?
This was our starter question at a recent Life Group. There were suggestions about methods for storing water and food. One person suggested that a compass to help find your way out might be useful. We rule out “Bear Grylls” and “the Amazon app” as breaking the spirit of the rules of the game. The… Continue reading What would you need to survive in the desert?
Romans 5:1-4
The result of justification is that if we are right with God, then we have peace with him. We are no longer under his wrath and judgement. We are no longer enemies of God. Peace is possible through Jesus Christ, the mediator (v1). Paul here emphasises Christ’s priestly role. He gives us access. Specifically, the… Continue reading Romans 5:1-4
Romans 4:16-25
The Law brings wrath rather than righteousness. So, God’s righteousness has to be received through faith, this means that it becomes about God’s grace, it is a free gift not earned. This means the promise is for all of Abraham’s descendants not just law observers. Given the link to circumcision, the implication here is not… Continue reading Romans 4:16-25
Not consumed
Here’s my summing up talk from an all age service looking at Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 4-5). A sign and a sending
Unclean -a talk on Mark 5
I recently preached on Mark 5 for a local church. Here’s a dry run of the sermon that I recorded as one of my “walk and talk” videos.
Who are the unclean today?
The other day, I wrote about Mark 5 and the unifying response being Jesus’ response to uncleanness. Now, most of us don’t live in a society that makes such ceremonial distinctions though some of you will live in communities where halal or kosher laws matter. However, I think that the idea of uncleanness has power… Continue reading Who are the unclean today?
Demons, disease and death
What ties together the three events in Mark 5? We have the casting out of a demon, a woman who is healed and a dead girl who is raised. The answer is “uncleanness.” The Klaw distinguished two categories. First there was the category of holy and profane or ordinary. Secondly, there was the category of… Continue reading Demons, disease and death
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