“For yet Christ…” The syntax in Greek frontloads the identity of Christ. He came whilst we were still weak, whilst sin still had a hold and we were helpless. We could not do anything to save ourselves. He died for those who are ungodly, lacking righteousness (v6). This is the surprising factor. Paul observes that… Continue reading Romans 5:6-11
Category: Bible Study
The Law
Sinai It’s two months after the Israelites have left Egypt when the arrive at Sinai. The people camp around the mountain and Moses climbs up to appear before YHWH (Exodus 19:1-3a). God speaks to Moses and gives instructions to the people. The context is that they have seen what God did to the Egyptians, punishing… Continue reading The Law
How can I be made clean?
I recently picked up on the Biblical theme of uncleanness whilst looking at Mark 5. We’ve seen that uncleanness is different from sin though actively becoming unclean may be a sin. We’ve also seen how the concept and category help us to think about people today that may be classed as unclean. I want to… Continue reading How can I be made clean?
The bitterness of Naomi
I found this article by Steve Kneale very thought provoking. Steve picks up on two things which we can miss. First, I think we can so sanitise Bible accounts (it’s true of the life of Abraham and the account of Esther too), in order to make them fit for Sunday School and so we iron… Continue reading The bitterness of Naomi
The exchange
In previous articles we have looked at the positive vision of God’s design for sex and relationships, marriage between one man and one woman. So, what does God and his word think about same sex relationships? Romans 1:18-32 has been the starting point for many. Early in his letter to the Romans, Paul brings good… Continue reading The exchange
Does a Biblical worldview require the death penalty?
The understandable response from some people to the horrific attack in Belfast on the 8th June and the reporting of the trial of Henry Nowak’s killer has been to call for a return of the death penalty. I say “understandable” because I can fully grasp why for many that is the gut response. I share… Continue reading Does a Biblical worldview require the death penalty?
What would you need to survive in the desert?
This was our starter question at a recent Life Group. There were suggestions about methods for storing water and food. One person suggested that a compass to help find your way out might be useful. We rule out “Bear Grylls” and “the Amazon app” as breaking the spirit of the rules of the game. The… Continue reading What would you need to survive in the desert?
Romans 5:1-4
The result of justification is that if we are right with God, then we have peace with him. We are no longer under his wrath and judgement. We are no longer enemies of God. Peace is possible through Jesus Christ, the mediator (v1). Paul here emphasises Christ’s priestly role. He gives us access. Specifically, the… Continue reading Romans 5:1-4
Romans 4:16-25
The Law brings wrath rather than righteousness. So, God’s righteousness has to be received through faith, this means that it becomes about God’s grace, it is a free gift not earned. This means the promise is for all of Abraham’s descendants not just law observers. Given the link to circumcision, the implication here is not… Continue reading Romans 4:16-25
Not consumed
Here’s my summing up talk from an all age service looking at Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 4-5). A sign and a sending
