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
Category: Bible Study
The true and better story (Luke 11:14-54)
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)
Defeating the strongman: When Jesus confronts the Devil’s kingdom
This Sunday we are tackling Luke 11 in church. We cannot cover all the spin off issues in detail. So, here’s a few videos picking up on what we can know about the Devil and demons.
The Luke jigsaw puzzle
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.
The other party
What’s going on when a Bible passage looks like it should be about two people but ends up just being about one? People often ask about what happened to the man in the incident where a woman was caught in adultery. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 5, we are told about a man who has been… Continue reading The other party
How do we pray when we find prayer hard?
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
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
Handkerchiefs and healing
In Acts 19:12, people are described as taking handkerchiefs and aprons that have been used by Paul to the sick and the demon possessed with the result that they were healed. Presumably this refers to work clothes from his trade as a tentmaker including cloths used to wipe sweat away from his face (rather than… Continue reading Handkerchiefs and healing
How do we help people bring their lives into the light?
I’ve been reflecting a little more on the topic of brining our lives out into the open and into the light. Luke 8:16-18 says: 16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in… Continue reading How do we help people bring their lives into the light?
Jerusalem
I’m dropped off on Sunbridge Road, a little walk away from my destination. As I start walking, I see others who have parked their cars on one of the side streets. More join our procession as we get closer. Then we get onto Manningham Lane to be met by a much larger crowd still. It’s… Continue reading Jerusalem
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