Category: Bible Study

New Dawn

A big theme in Isaiah is “light in the darkness.”  The situation described earlier in the book is of darkness falling on the land causing people to become lost, stumbling about. It’s the darkness of night because night and sleep are associated with sadness, despair and death.  So, here in the later chapters, we are… Continue reading New Dawn

The Difference Maker (Isaiah 53)

Here’s my outline notes for this Sunday’s sermon Introduction Acts 8 – Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – what prompts the radical and costly desire to be baptised? Answer = this chapter of Isaiah!  Don’t miss (out on) Jesus  (v1-3) End of ch52 – a promise of salvation for the nations -surprising news to them… Continue reading The Difference Maker (Isaiah 53)

Isaiah in a week – breaking the book down

Some of you have been working through Isaiah, a day at a time through Lent. Other’s wont have had time to do this but perhaps you’d like a different or additional challenge, to read through the book in the week leading up to Easter. Here’s a possible outline to help you do this. Even if… Continue reading Isaiah in a week – breaking the book down

Who were the legalists? 1 Corinthians 7 and ascetism

In response to my little series of articles on 1 Corinthians 7 and sexual ethics, I’ve been asked about why I suggest that the Corinthians may have been attempting to take an ascetic route of self denial and abstention which Paul might have had to correct.  Surely, the problem in Corinth was the opposite. The… Continue reading Who were the legalists? 1 Corinthians 7 and ascetism

God’s chosen fast

Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking that the Old Testament is all about law and judgement whilst the New Testament is about grace, love and mercy.  We rightly respond by showing that the Old is full of references to God’s love and compassion whilst Jesus and the apostles all talk about what it means… Continue reading God’s chosen fast

The barren and the outcast

The impact of Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf is meant to be life transforming and community transforming. Read Isaiah 54-56 Isaiah pictures an infertile woman, seemingly deserted with it seeming impossible for her to have children.  However, the barren one is blessed and now able to sing, she will have children and so… Continue reading The barren and the outcast

What does 1 Corinthians 7 actually say about sex, marriage and abstinence?

My social media timeline has been dominated recently by controversies about what Christians believe and the Bible teaches about sex and relationships.  In the context of those controversies, 1 Corinthians 7 crops up frequently.  The three particular contexts in which it has come up have been: The recent controversy over Josh Butler’s book, Beautiful Union… Continue reading What does 1 Corinthians 7 actually say about sex, marriage and abstinence?