The next part of our #WhatMatters series In Chapter 13, we’ve seen the Ark of the Covenant stay at Obed Edom’s house and he is blessed. Will the absence of the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem and David’s care deny him blessing? Rather than move to the conclusion of the account with the ark… Continue reading Favour
Category: Bible Study
Infiltration
One big question that comes up as we read through Galatians is “How were the agitators able to be so successful?” It seems that they had already managed to infiltrate the Jerusalem church quite significantly when Paul and Titus visited (2:1-10). They also were able to get Peter to cooperate with them, even though it… Continue reading Infiltration
Saving Titus
One of the striking things in Galatians 2 is the pivotal role that Titus plays in the drama. Titus is part of Paul’s team and he goes to Jerusalem with him. Paul tells us that Titus is not compelled to be circumcised. We can skim read it as an incidental extra but actually, the point… Continue reading Saving Titus
No U-Turn
In the musical, The Phantom of the Opera, towards the end, the Phantom makes his move to bring Christine fully under his power. He commits murders and then she removes his mask on stage exposing him. He sings “Past the point of no return” arguing that there is now no going back, they are fully… Continue reading No U-Turn
Does it matter who I eat with?
The other day, a group of us were talking about what a meal with Jesus would be like. We were asked two things What would you ask Jesus? Name two other people you would like to have at the meal. The answer to the second question tells us a lot about ourselves. I went with… Continue reading Does it matter who I eat with?
Face to face
Would you draw a connection between who you had round for dinner and whether or not you really believed the Gospel? Paul did. A look at the text: Read Galatians 2:11-14 When Paul had visited Jerusalem, he had found himself in agreement with Peter but at a later date, Peter had reason to visit the… Continue reading Face to face
What about the smallprint?
I frequently receive offers that look too good to be true and the usually are. I’m told that if I sign up to this or that offer then it will be totally free. Of course at some point the free trial runs out and the hope of the organisation making the offer is that by… Continue reading What about the smallprint?
One Gospel only
Here are my notes from a sermon I preached a few years back on Galatians 1:6-2:10. I think it may have been for Nueva Vida. Introduction Nakhi Wells –footballer offered better deal at rival club –seen as a traitor How do we know that a better religious offer is not out there? Christian faith may… Continue reading One Gospel only
Invited to dinner
Overview of Galatians 2 In chapter 2:1-9, Paul continues to emphasise that he independently and directly received the Gospel but also that it was confirmed and affirmed by the other apostles. Importantly, there was agreement on the status of Gentile believers like Titus who were welcomed and offered fellowship without any additional obligations such as… Continue reading Invited to dinner
Arkeology
1 Chronicles 13 The Ark of the Covenant What was the Ark of the Covenant and why was it so important? (Exodus 25) Where was the ark and why (c.f. 1 Samuel 4-7) “Although the ark probably perished in Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem (c.f. Jer. 3:16), the Chronicler gives greater emphasis to it than the… Continue reading Arkeology
