Posts

Can we appreciate Alpha?

Following Russell Brand’s baptism, there has been a lot of interest generated in the media about celebrities and evangelicalism including this rather sneering article in The Times.  John Stevens, National Director of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) shared the link on Facebook and commented to the effect that whilst there is a tendency… Continue reading Can we appreciate Alpha?

What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?

Controversial comedian and celebrity opinion former, Russell Brand has recently announced that he has been baptised in the River Thames.  The news has polarised responses with some being quick to jump on the news and share it as another exciting example of God moving to bring about a form of Christian revival.  Other examples include… Continue reading What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?

Faith

Jesus’ preaching and miracle working is drawing crowds but we also get to see Jesus’ interactions with individuals who are called to follow him.  How will people respond? The hostility of Scribes and Pharisees is contrasted with the faith of others who believe in Jesus, receive healing and follow him. 9.1 Read Luke 5:1-11 Jesus… Continue reading Faith

The preacher

Jesus’ baptism and temptation mark the beginning of his public ministry.  Jesus returns from the Jordan river and begins preaching, visiting synagogues on the Sabbath and addressing the crowds which begin to be drawn to him as he starts to do miraculous signs and heal the sick.[1] Note that Matthew specifically links this with John’s… Continue reading The preacher

New Exodus

After his baptism, Jesus goes into the wilderness or desert region around the Jordan river. He spends forty days there, fasting and experiencing temptation from Satan.  Mark sums this up in a few lines: 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[g] by Satan. He was with… Continue reading New Exodus

Heralded

The sudden appearance of John on the scene, proclaiming a message of repentance is captured by all of the Gospel writers.[1] John introduces his namesake as the first significant event in his Gospel. He portrays those coming to him as curious and trying to identify him.  It seemed that an Old Testament figure had re-emerged… Continue reading Heralded

Arrival

Matthew and Luke both provide accounts of Jesus’ birth with Luke going on to provide further detail about his infancy up until the age of 12.  Whilst Mark and John do not include such narratives, John does make this brief but theologically explosive statement. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”[1] The imagery there… Continue reading Arrival

The story of Jesus – arrival

I’m gradually recording a retelling of Luke’s Gospel in everyday English. This is part of our Jesus and the Gospels teaching series and the ides is that these short podcasts can be listened to by anyone regardless of age or level of background knowledge about Christianity, the Bible and Jesus. The audio files are now… Continue reading The story of Jesus – arrival

Predestination in Ephesians

One of the most controversial statements in the New Testament is found in Ephesians 1:5 where it says: “ he[b] predestined us” It’s controversial because if God has determined from eternity what will happen to us, then where does that leave free will. It seems that everything has already been decided. If, God “chose us …before the foundation… Continue reading Predestination in Ephesians