There’s something profoundly significant in the statement “From this day on I will bless you” As you read it or hear it, I wonder how you are responding? I wonder if you are asking whether this statement could apply to you and your church right now? If from now on God will bless you, then… Continue reading “I will bless you”
Tag: Biblical Studies
Building work: Applying the post exile books to us today
I believe that a crucial principle when applying God’s word to our lives today is that wherever we are in the Bible, we make the application in and through Christ. The temptation, especially with Old Testament literature is to take what happens with God’s people, what God says to them and what they do and… Continue reading Building work: Applying the post exile books to us today
Hearing and understanding
The latest Faithroots Podcast is now on YouTube. We are looking at Luke 8:1-21.
Post exile Biblical Theology
I suspect that the post exile Bible literature is up there/ or rather down there with the least attended to of the books of the Bible. It’s not helped by the fact that out of those books, it’s Nehemiah that is most likely to be chosen for preaching on but then it’s likely to be… Continue reading Post exile Biblical Theology
Don’t look back in anger
We are coming to the end of the story. In fact w are coming to the end of several stories, the story of famine in Egypt, the story of Joseph and his brothers, the story of Jacob and the story of beginnings, the end of Genesis. We should therefore treat the conclusion here as one,… Continue reading Don’t look back in anger
The future of a family
Joseph has had his own private audience with his father and his sons but as Jacob gets closer to death, he has things to say to his whole family. Read Genesis 49 Jacob assembles his family. Once again note the interchange of names, they are “sons of Jacob”, he is their “father Israel.” He prophesies… Continue reading The future of a family
Echoes of a blessing
I think there was a real sense in which Joseph had died to Jacob when he went to Egypt. He now was more Egyptian that Hebrew and that’s where his priorities in the life lay, even if he still had hope for return to Canaan one day. This fact probably helps us to understand a… Continue reading Echoes of a blessing
Priorities, excuses and a reality check
The Jews who had returned to Jerusalem were arguing that it was the wrong time to rebuild the temple. It seemed that a mixture of economic circumstances and opposition for outsiders had convinced them that even though they didn’t disagree with the plan, that the timing simply wasn’t right. However, God has made it clear… Continue reading Priorities, excuses and a reality check
Servitude
The popular version of the Joseph story runs that Jacob spoils his son and is at fault for the brother’s jealousy. This is exacerbated by Joseph’s arrogant boasting about his dreams. However, being sold into slavery changes Joseph making him good, wise and just. Is that a fair rendition? Well, there have been clues along… Continue reading Servitude
Who makes the call?
What is the thing that you are putting off? It could be the decision to move job or house, to start a family, to get involved in a particular area of ministry. Sime times it feels like the time is never right. Read Haggai 1:1-2 The background to these verses is the first few chapters… Continue reading Who makes the call?
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