Read Genesis 1:26-30. This describes the creation of humanity. Men and women are made equally in God’s image. As his image-bearers, this means that we in someway reflect his likeness. There are characteristics we share with him. On this basis, if God is holy then we too should be holy and pursue godliness. If God… Continue reading In his image
Category: Bible Study
He also made the stars
In Genesis 1:14-18, we are told about the part of creation where God populates the heavens with lights. The sun and moon are appointed as rulers over day and night. In other words, they will be the dominant lights and the basis for things like telling the time, seasons and location based on their appearance. … Continue reading He also made the stars
The God who speaks and sees Genesis 1v1-25
The Bible begins with the big picture story of God’s creating work Read Genesis 1:1-25 Notice three things about God here. There are a few dominant phrases that echo through the passage. First, there is the repetition “God said” each time that God speaks “let there…”, it comes to pass, so that another repeated phrase… Continue reading The God who speaks and sees Genesis 1v1-25
First things
The first thing we need to know about everything is “God.” Read Genesis 1:1 The first book of the Bible tells us with its first words that “In the beginning, God created.” This introduces us to two important truths about God. First, the God who was there at the beginning is eternal. God predates the… Continue reading First things
Notes on Song of Songs
Genre Wisdom Literature and Poetry. Wisdom literature is a specific genre within Scripture. My definition is that “Wisdom Literature enables us to discover God’s wisdom for life by reflecting through poetry on God’s Law (Torah) and the redemptive history of God’s people.” For Christians we must first of all see this applied to and through… Continue reading Notes on Song of Songs
The whole Christmas story
A few weeks back, Glen Scrivener commented on twitter to the effect that the Gospel was the best story, it was complete, incomparable, unbeatable. There was general agreement with this although some asked whether he would concede that the prequel found in the Old Testament came pretty close and was essential to the strength of… Continue reading The whole Christmas story
The true star of Christmas
The star of Bethlehem dominates some carols and many nativity plays. I remember the nativities I was involved in at school often involving the three kings (let’s not get into that one) following a moving star all the way from the Orient (again, something for another day) to Jerusalem and then on to Bethlehem. Have… Continue reading The true star of Christmas
The missing verse of Christmas
I wonder what the preacher will preach on today at the Christmas Day service. There’s a good likelihood that he will pick up on the account in Luke 2. If they do, I suspect that the reading will focus on v1-20. We’ll hear about the census, the journey to Bethlehem. We may well hear quite… Continue reading The missing verse of Christmas
Hope in the aftermath of grief
This is a guest article from my dad, Roger Williams. Dad was due to preach at a little church north of Bradford last Sunday and was preparing his sermon whilst my mum was in hospital. After mum died, dad felt strongly that he had been given a message to bring and that he should fulfil… Continue reading Hope in the aftermath of grief
How accurate is your nativity play?
The Sunday School nativity is one of the great traditions of Christmas. Dish out a few carboard crowns and tea towels, find some white tunics and tinsel, then get the children to act out the events of Christmas. But how accurate are our nativity plays and how much do they rely on tradition rather than… Continue reading How accurate is your nativity play?
