We want to apply the Old Testament to our lives today but how do we best do that. There’s a risk that if we just use an Old Testament character as an example that we end up with legalism. The message of Jonah gives us a helpful case study. Jonah runs away from God and… Continue reading Death and resurrection – applying Jonah through Jesus
Tag: Jonah
Jonah’s type
In Luke 11:30, Jesus says: 30 For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. This was in response to demands for a sign by insisting that the only sign the people would be getting was that of Jonah.[1] The other Gospels flesh… Continue reading Jonah’s type
Why is Jonah in the Bible?
Our church are currently studying the book of Jonah on Sundays and in our midweek Life Group. It’s a fascinating story but unusual in the Bible in that it focuses not on God’s plan for Israel but takes the action many miles away to a pagan city. So why is it there and what is… Continue reading Why is Jonah in the Bible?
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?
When the pagans call us to prayer
Steve Kneale has written here with a typically robust response to the Archbishop of York’s call for a national day of prayer. In his article Steve rightly highlights the problems with such calls, that there is something peculiar about calling people to pray to a God that you do not believe in and that when… Continue reading When the pagans call us to prayer
Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)
“I just wish things could get back to normal.” Have you heard other people saying that? Have you found yourself saying it too? If I were to take you back to February and March, how did you feel then? Perhaps you were anxious but there was also the adrenalin of being in this together too… Continue reading Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)
Faithroots 