I want to do two things before we delve into the detail of Deuteronomy 28 that will hopefully be helpful. First of all, I want to outline a bit more about what a Biblical Covenant is and where we fit into the picture. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. It usually includes long… Continue reading Every Blessing you pour out (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14)
Category: Bible Study
How might the Psalms help us in our walk and worship?
Yesterday I wrote about why we do not need to sing the Psalms. In response, I’ve heard from people about how helpful they personally and their churches have found singing them. It is important not to confuse two things here. It is very different to say “you don’t have to sing them” to saying “you… Continue reading How might the Psalms help us in our walk and worship?
What do you see (Matthew 11:1-19)
What do you see when you look at the world around you? The chaos and uncertainty around a contested Presidential result? The devastation caused by a global pandemic. The ongoing climate change crisis? The division and hurt of racism? What do you see when you look at your own life? Weakness, failure, shame? The drudgery… Continue reading What do you see (Matthew 11:1-19)
The Curse
Covenant History blessed in God’s presence, cursed by exile from it To understand the Covenant ceremony, we need to go back to Genesis 1-3. God creates a good world and also plants a beautiful and secure garden for the first humans, Adam and Eve, to live in. Adam is commissioned to tend to the garden… Continue reading The Curse
Is it ever okay to run away?
What should Christians do when they face opposition and persecution? Well, it’s obvious isn’t it? Christians are to persevere, to stand their ground and to suffer. Paul talks about how we learn endurance and faith in suffering whilst Peter tells slaves that it is a good thing to suffer for doing good. So when persecution… Continue reading Is it ever okay to run away?
Fed to the wolves?
I’m sure that I’m not the only one who finds these words particularly challenging: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves”[1] Would Jesus do something so reckless as to send his disciples out without defence to certain danger? Is that the act of the good shepherd? I’ve seen it… Continue reading Fed to the wolves?
The spot in my eye
The other day I mentioned a trip to eye casualty due to getting a persistent floater in my eye. Just to reassure you once again, it was nothing serious but with eyes it is better to be safe than sorry. However, admittedly I didn’t go straight to the hospital. Why? Well apart from a desire… Continue reading The spot in my eye
Don’t Be Afraid (Matthew 10:16-42)
There are fewer and fewer people alive who can remember the horrors of the Second World War, what it was like to live through the Blitz, how to survive on rations etc. We do sadly have men and women who have served in recent wars, many have suffered terrible injuries as well as PTSD. This… Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid (Matthew 10:16-42)
Invitation to a blessing
(Deuteronomy 27:1-14) The whole book of Deuteronomy is about God’s Covenant with his people, about what it means to live in his presence, enjoying the blessings he has given then, land, protection, provision. It is about how to do this by loving, obeying and worshipping the living God. The first eleven chapters set out an… Continue reading Invitation to a blessing
Something Different
Here is the sermon from yesterday’s Bearwood Chapel service (Matthew 10:1-15)
Faithroots 