One of the big debates in Biblical scholarship is the dating of Isaiah. The consensus position tends to be that there were at least 2:and possibly 3 authors. The first author would then be presumed to have written in the 7th century BC and the later authors during or post exile. Often this position is… Continue reading Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy
Tag: Isaiah
Isaiah in Lent
If you are looking for something to work through in the build up to Easter why not have a look at Arise and Shine. I put this together a couple of years ago specifically to include reflections for each of the 50 days of Lent.
Arise and shine for Advent
Some people like to have a book to work through in the run up to Christmas (Advent). If you haven’t found anything for this year, then why not have a look at “Arise and Shine” which offers devotional studies from the book of Isaiah. I originally prepared this for use in Lent so there are… Continue reading Arise and shine for Advent
40 days in Isaiah – a Lent course
We are approaching Lent, the build up to Easter. Whilst there is no compulsion on believers to observe particular seasons, fasts and festivals, many do find it helpful to set aside specific time for prayer, reflection and study. Last year I put together a series of readings and studies working through Isaiah as a potential Lent course. You… Continue reading 40 days in Isaiah – a Lent course
Resources for Bible study
The other day I wrote about how the main book you need to be reading if you want to be involved in urban ministry is the Bible. In fact this is true of all believers and anyone who wants to be involved in any form of Christian service. I’ve been gradually putting together some Bible… Continue reading Resources for Bible study
Summing up the message of Isaiah
The message of Isaiah can be summed up as follows. First, that we are rebel sinners. We have been unfaithful to God and chosen idolatry over worship and trust in him. Isaiah warns us that we will become like our idols, impotent, hardened, powerless, ignorant. Secondly, the consequence of sin and idolatry is God’s righteous… Continue reading Summing up the message of Isaiah
There is a hope
Throughout Isaiah, among all the warnings of judgement and desolation are scattered promises of salvation and restoration for God’s people. In the early parts of the book, the theme of judgement is the one that dominates but there is light in the darkness with the calling of a messenger, glimpses of God’s glory and the… Continue reading There is a hope
Avoiding wrong turnings
How do we apply the book of Isaiah to our lives and context today? * Well, first of all, it’s important that we don’t attempt to pick it up and synthesise a set of principles straight from 700BC to 21st century life. Instead, whenever we pick up an Old Testament book, we apply it first to… Continue reading Avoiding wrong turnings
Better the devil you know? What might Putin’s demise mean when it comes?
With regular frequency, you’ll see a newspaper article about how Vladimir Putin is seriously and terminally ill. Usually this will come accompanied by some speculation regarding his mental health and the possibility that he is acting irrationally in Ukraine, raising the spectre of him going further in his supposed madness and ushering in a nuclear… Continue reading Better the devil you know? What might Putin’s demise mean when it comes?
Arise and Shine
I’ve now put together all of the teaching and devotional material we’ve been covering in Isaiah in one place. You can read it here. This should be a useful training resource for those of you making use of Faithroots resources for equipping for urban ministry. Part 1 offers an overview to the book, setting it… Continue reading Arise and Shine