“Could God have created another world?” It was a classic question set for theological students when I was at Oak Hill. The question concerned God’s sovereignty and providence. On the one hand it was argued that this world is exactly the kind of world that you would expect to see, it is fitting to God’s… Continue reading A different world?
Category: Theology
Murderers at heart (Genesis 4)
In Genesis 1-2, the origins of humanity are described. Mankind is made in God’s image and so man and woman have the breath of God within them. God blesses them and provides for them. They have meaning and purpose as they are told to fill and subdue the earth. And yet in Geneis 3 we… Continue reading Murderers at heart (Genesis 4)
When atonement is absent
I find Ian McEwan’s novel “Atonement” particularly bleak. It’s the story of a girl who witnesses a crime, Bryony sees her cousin Lola being assaulted and raped. She is convinced the assailant is the family gardener, Robbie and so he is falsely accused, arrested and convicted. Her error combined with her self-importance is the cause… Continue reading When atonement is absent
How can I be free from sin?
One of the greatest blessings and greatest challenges of a Christian is that our conscience is re-awakened. This means that we are even more keenly alert to our own sinfulness. We become more aware of how ugly and destructive lust, hate, greed, selfishness, pride, anger, gossip and slander are. And yet at the same time… Continue reading How can I be free from sin?
Under new management (Romans 7:1-6)
Near where we live is a restaurant. Whilst we’ve been living here, it has changed names a number of times. There’s a reason for that. The original restaurant had a bad name for poor quality food and dodgy hygiene. However, I think that on a few occasions, the name change was merely cosmetic. If you… Continue reading Under new management (Romans 7:1-6)
Do we really believe that God is sovereign?
You know that verse about mission in the hymn “I cannot tell”, do we really believe it? The words go: I cannot tell how He will win the nations, How He will claim His earthly heritage,How satisfy the needs and aspirations Of east and west, of sinner and of sage. We sing it with gusto – or… Continue reading Do we really believe that God is sovereign?
Sanctification Romans 6:15-22
Available to watch here I frequently say that our relationship with God means that we must allow him to disagree with us through his word. In what ways has God challenged and disagreed with you through his word? In my case I remember one specific challenge being that as a pastor, my responsibility is not… Continue reading Sanctification Romans 6:15-22
How not to be a heretic – be teachable
One of the people who has been right at the centre of the EFS controversy has been Wayne Grudem. When the charge of heresy is made it is primarily targeted against Grudem and Bruce Ware. This is understandable because I have to admit that out of the “EFS” proponents, it has been their language that… Continue reading How not to be a heretic – be teachable
How not to be a heretic – preaching the negatives
One well known preacher allegedly once said that if we are to preach the Gospel properly, so that it’s full force is heard, then we are likely to be accused of being anti-nominans. An anti-nomian (against law) is someone who believes and teaches that the law only applied before Christ, we are now under grace… Continue reading How not to be a heretic – preaching the negatives
The difference between heresy and error -another worked example
I’ve been talking about the difference between error and heresy and in my most recent article, I argued that Scripture and not church courts and councils is the final authority on such matters. As I was looking at Acts 15, I realised that we had a helpful case study regarding the difference between the two… Continue reading The difference between heresy and error -another worked example
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