Tag: New Testament Studies

The Good News of the Kingdom

Matthew and Mark cluster together a series of parables with a strong farming theme to illustrate what God’s kingdom is like.[1] Luke selects one of those parables at this stage, the main and longer one about a sower and seed.  He pairs this with one also included by Mark at this stage about a lamp… Continue reading The Good News of the Kingdom

Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Spiritual Warfare”?  You perhaps think first of all about demon possession and exorcism, perhaps too about witchcraft and sorcery.  Perhaps you will have in mind some famous secular films like the Exorcist or popular level Christian literature. Well you would not be wrong to think about… Continue reading Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians

Ephesians and the family

The closing passages of Ephesians offer instructions on how families, or households should function.  These seem to be follow in structure the household codes of the day, although with differences and as much rooted in Judaism/The Old Testament Scriptures as in Greek culture. They are sandwiched between the command to “be filled with the Spirit”… Continue reading Ephesians and the family

The Big Preach

The Gospels introduce both to what Jesus did and what he said.  A significant proportion of that teaching is grouped together in both Matthew and Luke at around about this point either under the heading of “The Sermon on the Mount” when referencing Matthew or “The Sermon on the Plain” (Luke). I believe both accounts… Continue reading The Big Preach

Strengthened in love (A sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 for Pentecost)

What is love?  Famously, a set of cartoons back in the 1980s offered the answer “love is…” with lots of examples.  Perhaps, given he  was not too sure himself at the time and what was to follow, they were unwise in one suggestion “Love is Charlie and Di” We might suggest that love is our… Continue reading Strengthened in love (A sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 for Pentecost)

The Gospel in Ephesians

At the heart of all of Paul’s letters is the Gospel. It was clearly his belief that a restating of how and why we are saved is what we need if we are to live godly lives.  This is true in Ephesians as well.  Whilst some of his themes, most notably justification are not mentioned… Continue reading The Gospel in Ephesians

Faith

Jesus’ preaching and miracle working is drawing crowds but we also get to see Jesus’ interactions with individuals who are called to follow him.  How will people respond? The hostility of Scribes and Pharisees is contrasted with the faith of others who believe in Jesus, receive healing and follow him. 9.1 Read Luke 5:1-11 Jesus… Continue reading Faith