Setbacks, tragedies, and worries were raining down, and I was devastated. So, what did I do? I turned to Job. The courage of Job’s faith inspires me afresh each time I return to his story.
Job for comfort and challenge
Deliver us from Evil
“Deliver us from evil” (a phrase from ‘the Lord’s Prayer’) doesn’t mean “make us nicer people”. Rather, it asks God to protect us from a force that can trap or imprison us (otherwise why would we need deliverance?) Yes. Evil is a force, and it’s not just the Bible that sees it that way. Science fiction often treats evil as a force – for instance, in the Star Wars films. In the Bible passage that introduces the Lord’s Prayer[1] the original Greek speaks of the evil and some English versions translate it as the evil one – in other words, the Devil. But does anyone still believe in the Devil, demons, or evil spirits?
Fit to fight?
I’m writing this during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic when the whole world is anxious and many Christians are talking about ‘spiritual warfare’. All prayer is good, but not all types of prayer are right for everyone. This unseen virus offers a metaphor for the forces to be fought in spiritual warfare. But we must be selective.
Overcoming Temptation
My previous blog, “How Temptation Works”, explained the subtle workings of temptation. It helps to understand how temptation works, but we also need to understand how to overcome it.
How Temptation Works
Grace. Free forgiveness. Undeserved acceptance. The Gospel of Christ is unique among religions. It turns upside down the idea that salvation depends on our good deeds. It doesn’t. God’s forgiveness, and our future destiny, depends entirely on God’s generosity. But that doesn’t mean that morality has no part in our faith
Naboth’s vineyard
Ahab is seen as one of Israel’s worst kings. He was a liar, a cheat, and a bully, but the incident vineyard of Naboth's is the only recorded example of corruption that could get him impeached today. It is an object lesson in how temptation works.
Bible in a Year
Encouragement and hints to aid familiarisation with the WHOLE Bible - plus a link to download a FREE personal Bible Reading Record.
0131a…St Michael’s Recent History
The village of Stoke Gifford has a history going back at least to the time of the Saxons, and a website maintained by a local enthusiast tells the story fully and extensively. At the village centre, St. Michael's church has always been a key part of the community, but the history of the church on … Continue reading 0131a…St Michael’s Recent History
Heroes of Doubt
People assume that heroes don’t feel fear. They are wrong. Brave people feel the fear but act in spite of it. Those who have no sense of fear are not brave, but naive. People of faith experience doubt, but act in faith. It’s not the way we feel that counts, but the decisions we make. Doubt takes you down to the depths, where you discover your foundations and find that they are strong
Achan and Ai
The story of Achan can be uncomfortable reading. His condemntation was harsh, but was it just?
