There are lots of nuggets along the way in these two chapters. Particularly, I’m struck by the following. First of all, there is the example of Moses. It isn’t a good example here. He responds to God’s command and even to God’s promises with doubt and resistance. There is a particular warning for leaders in… Continue reading Application from the burning bush
Posts
Greater love hath no man than he lay down his friends for his life
This joke was originally told by Jeremy Thorpe, the Liberal leader about “the night of the long knives” when Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan sacked a number of ministers to save his own position. It’s entered the political lexicon as a go to response to leaders seeking to protect themselves by dismissing loyal allies. On a… Continue reading Greater love hath no man than he lay down his friends for his life
Romans 1:16 (notes)
There now follows a lengthy sentence, supporting the statement here in verse 16. The organising theme of this section is that Paul is “not ashamed of the Gospel.” Three reasons are then given as to why, all connected by the word γὰρ or “for”. Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel. Why? Because it is,… Continue reading Romans 1:16 (notes)
True love ways
I recently preached at our old Church, Bearwood Chapel on 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. As is often the case, a first preach leads to further thoughts about what you believe needs to be emphasised. So, I’ve recorded a two-parter that goes through the key teaching from the passage.
Zooming out from the burning bush
In Exodus 3-4, Moses finds himself in the very place that God is going to call him to lead the people out to. Moses must trace first the planned journey to Horeb or Sinai, there to meet the Lord God. He is the representative of his people. Horeb is described as “Holy Ground”. In other… Continue reading Zooming out from the burning bush
A sign and a sending
The Burning Bush Moses joins in taking responsibility for his father-in-law, Jethro’s sheep. One day, he is taken the flock to pasture near to Horeb or Sinai. The author identifies this as the Mountain of the Lord, foreshadowing what will happen years later when God will choose this place to meet Moses and to give… Continue reading A sign and a sending
The Bethel deep dive
Just a heads up about some posts that are coming up in the mix. I’m going to be doing a deep dive into the theology of Bethel, Redding CA and the wider movement. Bethel have been in the Christian news over the past few weeks as particular people and the culture have been criticized following… Continue reading The Bethel deep dive
Romans 1:8-15 (notes)
It is normal for Paul to follow his initial greeting with a prayer of thanksgiving for the recipient church. Here he gives thanks, not just for the Romans’ faith but because it is widely known. When Paul talks about the world, he means the known world of the day or Roman Empire (v8). Paul himself… Continue reading Romans 1:8-15 (notes)
My brother’s keeper Lord Mandelson, sackings and resignations
There is a scene in the West Wing where Toby, one of the team has leaked classified military information. Whatever the justification, he broke the law. He comes into the Oval Office, with his resignation letter only for President Bartlett to say: “I’m sorry but I cannot accept your resignation. I have to sack you.”… Continue reading My brother’s keeper Lord Mandelson, sackings and resignations
More Faith: Luke 18-19, widows, tax collectors and blindmen
After a little hiatus, I’ve got back to recording the video teaching series which accompanies the e-book “Introducing Jesus”. Here’s the latest installment. And here’s a link to the e-book You can catch up on the video series from the beginning here.
Faithroots 