Defeat and judgement for the Egyptian gods 

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The plagues unleased against Pharoah and Egypt may also be seen as Yahweh’s triumph over the gods of Egypt.   Like most ancient civilisations, Egypt was polytheistic. The plagues can each be seen as portraying a direct confrontation with those gods.[1]  Serpents were of course seen as sacred to many cultures and we might trace back… Continue reading Defeat and judgement for the Egyptian gods 

The firstborn

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God announces to Moses that there is just one more plague to come and then Pharoah will let the people go (Exodus 11:1).  Before he  announces the plague, Moses instructs the Isralites to go and request silver and gold from the Egyptians.  YHWH ensures that the people find favour with the Egyptians and additionally, Moses… Continue reading The firstborn

Romans 2:1-5 (notes)

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At the start of chapter 2, Paul is addressing any man/person rather than specifically the recipients of his letter. The point is made to those who seek to judge others, they are “without excuse”.  This is the conclusion  to the preceding argument that God’s righteousness and wrath our revealed clearly but humans choose to suppress… Continue reading Romans 2:1-5 (notes)

The judging of Egypt and Pharoah

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God sends Moses and Aaron back to Pharoah with Aaron to act as Moses’ spokesman just as prophets speak for God to the people.  Again, he explains his plans and purpose to Moses.  They are to call on Pharoah to let the people go from Egypt but he will not, his heart will be hardened. … Continue reading The judging of Egypt and Pharoah

First look

Based on El Greco

The other day, I mentioned one way in which you prepare during the run up to Easter by downloading the e-book Arise and Shine. If you are fairly new to Christianity, then another option might be to try First look, a four week course introducing who Jesus is from Luke’s Gospel. The course will help… Continue reading First look

Romans 1:24-32 (notes)

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We are now told about three ways that God gave humanity up or handed them over.  First, he gave their hearts over to lust (v24), second, he gave them over to “dishonourable passions” .  note, it’s their bodies that are given over (v26).[1] Thirdly, he handed over their minds or delivered them to “debased minds”… Continue reading Romans 1:24-32 (notes)

After pancake day …something to read and reflect on

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Today is Pancake day. That’s a big event in our household and yes, that’s purely from a “let’s eat pancakes” perspective. However, of course, this marks the day before Lent. Whilst I’m not from a church culture where we follow the Church calendar. However, a lot of Christians do find it helpful to follow these… Continue reading After pancake day …something to read and reflect on

A message for elders, wannabe elders and those who are led by them (Acts 20:28-32)

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Peter closes his first letter with an exhortation to elders to take their responsibility to provide godly leadership seriously (1 Peter 5:1-4) and for the church family to submit to the elders (1 Peter 5:5). Elsewhere, the Bible tells us to make it a joy and not a burden for our elders to lead and… Continue reading A message for elders, wannabe elders and those who are led by them (Acts 20:28-32)