You can listen in to the sermon I preached on Isaiah 6, part of a whistlestop tour of the book on Sundays, here Idols (Isaiah 6)
Posts
The theology of everything and the anatomisation of everything
Last week, controversy broke about an extract from Josh Butler’s forthcoming book “beautiful Union.” I’ve written something about that here. In my article I challenged some of the reaction which seemed quick to write Josh and his book off as weird, icky, misogynistic etc. I don’t think that this was the case as I argued… Continue reading The theology of everything and the anatomisation of everything
Everyone
Perhaps as God’s people heard Isaiah prophecy against different nations and cities, they were tempted to nod along in agreement. “I’m glad that he mentioned Babylon, I knew they had it coming.” “Oh I’d never really thought about Trye and Sidon before … but he has got a point you know.” Then there’s that shocking… Continue reading Everyone
Something different
We’re in the middle of a section of Isaiah that takes the wider sweep of world politics and announces judgement on the nations and their capital cities. Notice that Jerusalem is included in with the wicked nation, God’s people had joined the world in its sinfulness. They had become like the Gentiles. There is a… Continue reading Something different
Revitalisation questions – looking to the future, what are the options?
The other day, I shared some questions that I would ask churches when they are looking for help with revitalisation. So, what next once you’ve answered those questions together. Well, what I find helpful is to talk through the full range of options that may be open to the church. Hypothetically at least these include:… Continue reading Revitalisation questions – looking to the future, what are the options?
Just because the mob is after you doesn’t mean there isn’t a real problem
The saga about the bloke who wrote an article about sex and salvation, had it withdrawn and then had to resign continues. Now, some more prominent evangelicals are beginning to find their voice on the matter. Now, for what its worth, I’m not too worried if people were quiet in the early stages, we can… Continue reading Just because the mob is after you doesn’t mean there isn’t a real problem
Those around
What does it mean to live in this world as part of the church. We know that we are sinful and that the church has its faults. At times it seems that the church is weak, half asleep, luke-warm. Do we really have anything to say to unbelievers? But then we can look at a… Continue reading Those around
Groundbreaking?
You can’t sell books without some superlative description about how this or that book will literally change lives. One over used descriptive is that a book is “ground breaking.” I suggested recently that I’ve not come across a book in the last 20 years that I would truly describe as “ground breaking.” Is that harsh?… Continue reading Groundbreaking?
Light in the darkness
Chapter 8 finishes with a sobering prophecy, all that the people will see if they look away from God is gloom and darkness. Without God, all there is for us is hopelessness. Read Isaiah 9 Whilst the present situation seemed pretty hopeless and Israel were about to face judgement, shame and destruction, Isaiah looks ahead… Continue reading Light in the darkness
My sadness may commend the Gospel
Jesus is described in Isaiah 53:3 as a man of sorrows,[cand acquainted with[ grief;” We would do well to pay attention to this as it provides the starting point to the other side of the coin to Lloyd Jones’ comments about the failure of unhappy Christians to commend the Gospel. Jesus himself experienced suffering, sorrow and… Continue reading My sadness may commend the Gospel
Faithroots 