Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy

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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

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.

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

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

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