Tag: Hebrews

The sin of root fallacy

In the first chapter of his book, “The Sin of Empathy”, Joe Rigney’s starting point is that in Hebrews 4:15, the writer talks about Christ sympathising with us in regards to our weakness.  However, the NIV uses the word “empathise.” Rigney writes: .” The Greek word in question is sympathizo, which makes the English cognate… Continue reading The sin of root fallacy

Does God hear the prayers of unbelievers?

My friend, Steve Kneale, says no.  You can read his reasoning here.  Why does it matter?  Well, it will affect our approach to church life, pastoral ministry and evangelism.  A lot of churches organise their meetings around the assumption that unbelievers will be there.  We invite them to stand and sing with us.  We organise… Continue reading Does God hear the prayers of unbelievers?

An overflow of grace for the good of the city

One reason why I think it is right to say that a church exists for the good of the city is that if things are done right, then this simply is the case.  Why do I say that?  Well have a look at Hebrews 6:4-7 with me. It says: We tend to look at those… Continue reading An overflow of grace for the good of the city

She finished the race

The Commonwealth Games are known as “The friendly games”. It is probably true already of athletics that you see things at such events that you wouldn’t at something like a football tournament (much as I love football). There is much less tribalism.  Imagine for example  English football fans standing politely for the national anthem of… Continue reading She finished the race

Food from around the worldwide web

From baby boom to missions boon – this one caught by eye as my own parents found themselves involved in cross-cultural mission, spending their 50s in China before continuing to visit regularly right up until 2019. You can build but it will crumble – Alistair Chalmers reflect on a visit to Ephesus Essentially significant –… Continue reading Food from around the worldwide web

Milk, meat and losing my salvation (Hebrews 5:11 -6:12)

Here is our latest Bible study from Hebrews. You can have a look at the questions below and then watch our afternoon tea discussion. For Starters What does the label “Come back kid” mean? How often in reality does that work out? A Look at the Bible What does the text say? Why is the… Continue reading Milk, meat and losing my salvation (Hebrews 5:11 -6:12)

Could Jesus have sinned?

In Hebrews, we are told that Jesus was tempted in every way, but without sin.[1] This raises the question, “Was it actually possible for Jesus to sin?” If we say “Yes Jesus could have sinned” then that seems to help show the reality of the temptation. However, it raises questions about what would then have… Continue reading Could Jesus have sinned?

Empathy (Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10)

Here is our latest Sunday Night Church Bible study. You can talk about the questions at home then watch our discussion via the video below. For Starters What do these words and phrases mean? – Can you give examples of each? Sympathy Empathy? Emotional intelligence A look at the Text What does the Text say?… Continue reading Empathy (Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10)