Recently a visiting preacher at our church picked up on the story of Ruth. He particularly applied the message to those who might identify with Boaz in the story. At our life group, we broadened this out and asked people who they identified with in the story. In fact we discussed who we might want… Continue reading Among the gleanings
Category: Bible Study
Romans 3:21-26
“But now”, these emphatic words suggest a turning point. If the Law is limited then something big, something different needs to happen. Paul says that this “but now” something different is God’s righteousness which has been revealed to us in another place than the Law. A few options for what is meant by God’s righteousness… Continue reading Romans 3:21-26
A hungry and thirsty people
Bitter-Sweet As the people move on from the Red Sea crossing, they search for water but find none in the desert for three days, until they come to a place they name Marah, the name is a play on the Hebrew for bitter. There is something off about the water, it tastes bitter. The people… Continue reading A hungry and thirsty people
Romans 3:9-20
Paul has argued that there are real benefits and privileges to being Jewish and the heritage that brings. However, does that actually benefit the Jews? Paul says “no” because Jews and Greeks, in other words, the representative Gentiles, alike sin (v9). He then cites a number of Scripture passages, primarily from the Psalms to demonstrate… Continue reading Romans 3:9-20
Romans 3:1-8
Paul continues his argument concerning circumcision and Jewishness. It’s important to see this as a central theme to the letter so that chapters 9-11 are not a mere parenthesis between the doctrine and the practice, a little detour but are central to the conclusion of his argument. Paul has said that it is circumcision of… Continue reading Romans 3:1-8
Bible translations, paraphrases, dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence
My friend Alistair Chalmers has written here both extolling the importance of Christians hearing and reading Scripture and opposing the practice of using paraphrases. First of all, I want to offer a hearty amen to his concern for Scripture to be heard and read. One of the strengths of more traditional and liturgical church contexts… Continue reading Bible translations, paraphrases, dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence
Romans 2:25-29
Paul now argues that law keeping and law breaking are central to your status as Jews (circumcised) or Gentiles (uncircumcised). He states that circumcision is of value for those who observe the Law. However, Circumcision without law-keeping is useless, you are considered uncircumcised (v25). In the same way, those who are uncircumcised but keep the… Continue reading Romans 2:25-29
Eagerly desire prophecy
Here’s another video in my series on gifts of the Spirit
Crossing over
A long cut The quickest route out of Egypt would have been directly out of Goshen and then the coast route around the edge of the Mediterranean but that would have taken the people through Philistine territory. God recognises that this will bring them into open conflict early on and at this stage the people… Continue reading Crossing over
Magicians and Miracles
Why were the Egyptian magicians seemingly able to replicate the miracles that Moses performed? There are a few possibilities. It could be that they were dependent on demonic power. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that there is real demonic power that sits behind idolatry. Alternatively, it may have been that they were tricksters, their… Continue reading Magicians and Miracles
