I suspect that many of the questions and concerns from the Corinthian church came from a good place. We can easily write them off as the bad guys but they weren’t. Paul is not addressing apostates or false teachers but a real, young., alive, messy church that shows signs of having the Holy Spirit’s presence… Continue reading A glorifying church (1 Corinthians 10:18-33)
Category: Bible Study
When the car crash has happened – guilt and shame revisited
In our look at 1 Corinthians 10, I used the example of someone pushing the boundaries, taking risks with their faith being like a driver taking corners at speed close to the cliff edge. They risk plunging off of the edge into a deep ravine. 1 Corinthians 10 offers a warning against taking risks, falling… Continue reading When the car crash has happened – guilt and shame revisited
A learning church (1 Corinthians 10: 1-18)
You’ve probably heard the story about the boss who wants a new chauffer. He gets two drivers to do a test run along one of the most challenging passes up around the mountains. One driver puts his foot down. He wants to show off his skills, he takes the car right to the edge of… Continue reading A learning church (1 Corinthians 10: 1-18)
What kind of church? A free church (1 Corinthians 9)
We sometimes get into disputes about how Christians are to relate to “The Law”. Are we under Law or under grace? Now, for obvious reasons, there doesn’t tend to be much discussion or debate about whether or not we are under any requirement to not murder or steal. So, the focus when it comes to… Continue reading What kind of church? A free church (1 Corinthians 9)
Freedom in Christ changes relationships to others
As well as writing letters to churches, Paul wrote to a few individuals. We have three examples in Scripture, though I’m sure he wrote more. He writes to his co-workers Timothy and Titus giving them instructions about how to pastor the churches within their care. The third example, to Philemon is even more personal. Paul… Continue reading Freedom in Christ changes relationships to others
For such a time as this
I’ve been working through the book of Esther but often accounts like this are best understood when we see the whole story together. Whilst we can preach sermon series on books like Esther, Ruth and Jonah, there’s benefit from time to time to getting that big picture view to understand the overall message. So, here’s… Continue reading For such a time as this
The victory of God’s people
The day comes which was meant to be the day of death and destruction. However, the Jews are ready and prepared. The enemy are still there but it is the Jews who go on the offensive, there is a sense in which victory has already been won, the ringleader has been dealt with and the… Continue reading The victory of God’s people
Intercession
With Haman out of the way, the king hands his estate over to Esther and she appoints Mordecai in charge of it. Mordecai also receives the signet ring given to Haman, he is being exalted to a high position of authority in the kingdom (Esther 8:1-2). However, Esther is not yet satisfied, the danger has… Continue reading Intercession
The enemy
When Esther goes to King Ahasuerus to plead for her people, he asks who is responsible for the planned atrocity against them. He will of course know about Haman’s law but perhaps hasn’t yet connected Esther with the Jews. Esther explains that the one responsible is: An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”[1] Earlier we… Continue reading The enemy
The Great Exchange
Jesus once asked “What benefit is there in gaining the world (prospering materially) if you lose your soul?” Esther understood this well. The king and Haman have come to her banquet and Ahasuerus offers her anything she desires, even half the kingdom (Esther 7:1-2) . She could have used this opportunity to benefit herself, to… Continue reading The Great Exchange
Faithroots 