Luke 13 begins famously with Jesus being asked about a tragic atrocity. Pilate had not only slaughtered some Galileans but had also had their blood mixed in with their sacrifices, thus contaminating the altar and making the sacrifices ineffective. The implied question that Jesus answers is as to whether the victims had been particularly guilty… Continue reading How does Jesus answer the problem of suffering?
Tag: judgement
Over hearers
How do you preach a book like Obadiah? The prophecy is one of judgement and it would be tempting to launch into a hell fire and brimstone denunciation of the congregation. But is that what they need to hear. Even if rebuke and challenge is needed, does Obadiah’s message properly fit? If you feel uncomfortable… Continue reading Over hearers
The fate of the rich
Wealth was often seen as a mark of blessing in the ancient near east. Even today, we can confuse success with God’s favour. A look at the text (read James 5:1-6) The invite to the rich is repeated, they are summoned to come but not to celebrate and receive, rather to weep and mourn as… Continue reading The fate of the rich
COVID, Judgement and letting God disagree with you
One of the questions that came up during the COVID-19 pandemic was whether or not the pandemic was an act of judgement from God. Some people suggested that God was judging particular countries such as the US and UK, others argued that we could at least see God using the pandemic to speak to, challenge… Continue reading COVID, Judgement and letting God disagree with you
Who judges?
God’s grace is seen as our pride is removed and we are brought to a place of humility? So what does this humility look like in practice? James now answers that question. All of this links in to the theme of being slow or cautious to speak. A look at the text (Read James 4:11-12) … Continue reading Who judges?
How will history judge you?
Changing the emphasis on one word can significantly alter the meaning of a question. You probably read the title of this article with the emphasise on “you”? However, my intention is to emphasise the “how”? You see, it’s one of those oft used phrases, along with expressing the desire to be “on the right side… Continue reading How will history judge you?
Judgement Day
How do we react to what Scripture has to say about judgement, not just the historic judgement of Israel or even the discipline we go through but also what Scripture has to say about God’s judgement on sin and evil, what it has to say about eternal judgement and hell. Read Isaiah 34 It’s judgement… Continue reading Judgement Day
Those around
What does it mean to live in this world as part of the church. We know that we are sinful and that the church has its faults. At times it seems that the church is weak, half asleep, luke-warm. Do we really have anything to say to unbelievers? But then we can look at a… Continue reading Those around
Before you warn about danger first make sure there’s an ark ready
Noah was called by God to be a witness to the world around d him as the day of judgement drew near and the Flood was about to come. It’s clear from the New Testament that Noah was preaching to the people, warning them of coming danger. This warning came through the fact that he… Continue reading Before you warn about danger first make sure there’s an ark ready
Grievous
Read Genesis 6:5-8 God had mandated humanity to fill and to subdue the earth. Here we see a partial fulfilment of this. Yes, humans are spreading out, multiplying and filling the earth but because of sin, instead of the earth being filled with worshippers and worship, it is now full of evil. Where God had… Continue reading Grievous
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