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
Category: Bible Study
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
Romans 5:12-14
Another “how much more” is coming up. The intent is to point us to the uniqueness and greatness of Christ. The “therefore” here links us back to the point that our boast is solely in Christ alone. Jesus is set up as one, crucial man in comparison to the previous man, Adam. The point is… Continue reading Romans 5:12-14
The Good Samaritan and what Luke has to say about justification
There are two important clues to show us what the parable of the Good Samaritan is about. First, the parable is preceded by a question from one of the scribes: He asks Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life and Jesus responds by discussing the commandments with him. The man rightly identifies whole… Continue reading The Good Samaritan and what Luke has to say about justification
Peace with God and how we can face suffering
What do you say to a family watching the impact of dementia on a loved one as they see them robbed of memories, ability to communicate and even their personality? What do you say to Iranian brothers and sisters getting daily news about family who have been murdered by the regime? How about when a… Continue reading Peace with God and how we can face suffering
Marriage for Christ
Here’s a talk from a little while back on Ephesians 5:21-33 and marriage. There are two parts. At the start I run through a brief exposition of the passage and then Sarah and I have a discussion on the practical application.
