Tag: Biblical Studies

No U-Turn

In the musical, The Phantom of the Opera, towards the end, the Phantom makes his move to bring Christine fully under his power. He commits murders and then she removes his mask on stage exposing him.  He sings “Past the point of no return” arguing that there is now no going back, they are fully… Continue reading No U-Turn

One Gospel only

Here are my notes from a sermon I preached a few years back on Galatians 1:6-2:10. I think it may have been for Nueva Vida. Introduction Nakhi Wells –footballer offered better deal at rival club –seen as a traitor How do we know that a better religious offer is not out there? Christian faith may… Continue reading One Gospel only

Invited to dinner

Overview of Galatians 2 In chapter 2:1-9, Paul continues to emphasise that he independently and directly received the Gospel but also that it was confirmed and affirmed by the other apostles. Importantly, there was agreement on the status of Gentile believers like Titus who were welcomed and offered fellowship without any additional obligations such as… Continue reading Invited to dinner

Arkeology

1 Chronicles 13 The Ark of the Covenant “Although the ark probably perished in Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem (c.f. Jer. 3:16), the Chronicler gives greater emphasis to it than the compiler of 2 Samuel. This is presumably because he wanted his own generation to give priority to their own symbols of God’s covenant and presence,… Continue reading Arkeology

Calling

One of the things about the Transfer window is that you get all kinds of rumours.  For example, this year, there are a few rumours doing the rounds concerning Billy Sharp, Sheffield United’s veteran and prolific striker.  He has been linked with my home team, Bradford City.  The only thing is that he gets linked… Continue reading Calling

Credentials (Galatians 1:11-24)

Here’s a sample “Dig Deeper” style Bible study on part of Galatians 1. Our church used it for our Life Group yesterday. Watch out for an article talking us through this passage tomorrow. For Starters What do you do  if someone makes a claim about something big to you (this could be good news or… Continue reading Credentials (Galatians 1:11-24)

Transfer window?

As I write, the football season has just finished and it’s now the transfer period. Lot’s of football players will be on the look out for a better offer.   Some will be willing to abandon a club that they’ve played for over many seasons, that has looked after them well and where they’ve enjoyed the… Continue reading Transfer window?

A letter arrives

I remember when I was at University, I used to love looking forward to getting letters from my parents and my grandma. Similarly, when my mum and dad were first in China, mum was a phenomenal correspondent and each week she’d write to tell me about her adventures. The art of letter writing has died… Continue reading A letter arrives

Opening Credits

This week we look at 1 Chronicles 11-12 Anointed (11:1-3) Jerusalem (11: 4-10) Jerusalem is in Benjamin, whereas Hebron = a city of Judah.  Jerusalem is a crucial symbol of David uniting the kingdom and replacing Saul’s dynasty Mighty Men (11:10-47) Early followers of David The inner circle – the three and the thirty Note… Continue reading Opening Credits