Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy

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One of the big debates in Biblical scholarship is the dating of Isaiah.  The consensus position tends to be that there were at least 2:and possibly 3 authors.  The first author would then be presumed to have written in the 7th century BC and the later authors during or post exile. Often this position is… Continue reading Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy

Biblical brackets

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There’s a particular technique that shows up in Scripture where writers want to show that a train of thought is being followed through from start to conclusion.  It functions to bracket various thoughts, points, narratives together and is known technically as an inclusion.  The method use is to repeat a word, phrase or pericope at… Continue reading Biblical brackets

The true and better story (Luke 11:14-54)

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Here’s my outline for a sermon this Sunday. Look out for some articles with additional comment. You can listen to the full talk here introduction Two stories When the stories get muddled …. Which story are we living by? What did Jesus’ opponents think he was doing? (v15) What does Jesus say is happening? (v22)… Continue reading The true and better story (Luke 11:14-54)

The Luke jigsaw puzzle

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We are mid-series in Luke’s Gospel at Church at the moment and I’m also working through Luke as part of a Faithroots Teaching series. I thought it might be worth taking a step back to look at the big picture.

How do we pray when we find prayer hard?

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Jesus’ disciples ask him to teach them to pray.  They are alert to the fact that John the Bsptist had done this with his disciples.  It’s fascinating that these young men, stepped in the worship and Scripture of Israel with their access to Psalms, Lamentations and the intercessions of Daniel and Nehemiah needed help. I… Continue reading How do we pray when we find prayer hard?

Return of the King

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We want to read the times rightly. Recent events in the Middle East including October 7th 2023, the Gaza conflict and the recent military engagement between Israel and Iran have got people talking about “The End Times.” This often gets people looking up the book of Revelation with its beasts and dragons. Is the book… Continue reading Return of the King