We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) Optional How restrictive is an anchor? Not much. It’s an optional item of marine equipment, but not in the sense that it’s dispensable. It would be a foolhardy sailor who set out without one. But an anchor doesn’t get … Continue reading Shackle, Stake, or Anchor?
Melt-down Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He dared to oppose tyrants. He even faced up to Jezebel (presumed to have been the most wicked woman in the Bible). His prophecies came true, and he performed many remarkable miracles. But he was constantly plagued with loneliness and discouragement and, following his … Continue reading Prophecy in Today’s Church
This, then, is how you should pray ... your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9,10 NIV “Your Kingdom come" Is not a dream of realms beyond the sun, where angels sing and all is good, and God's will's always done. No! It's a call for massive … Continue reading Your kingdom come
Side-linedJoan wasn’t unknown, at least, not in her home range. But you probably never heard of her. She was kind, generous, hospitable, and popular – but increasingly forgotten as age side-lined her from the youthful mainstream. Most of us fade from sight as we grow older. But her funeral, in June 2019, was well attended. … Continue reading A fruitful life
Don’t speak to me again (Based on 1 Kings 19:3-13, Jeremiah 20:7-9, Jonah 1:1-3, 4:1-3) Don’t speak to me again, Lord for then I’ll have to share and my words may be rejected, which is hard for me to bear. Don’t put me under pressure; don’t burden me with care. I can’t give what’s expected, … Continue reading Prophetic paradox
Dead Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, STOP! How many resolutions to read the Bible come to a halt at the third book? Leviticus can be a difficult read. It’s repetitious, its culture seems alien, and there’s so much blood. Why? Burnt offerings, fellowship offerings, sin offerings – all of them produced lots of blood and all ended … Continue reading Why is Leviticus so bloody?
Electric guitars, drums, and music with a beat are commonplace elements of modern Christian worship, but such things were unknown just a generation ago. How and why did it change? The ‘why’ question is easy to answer. We’ve moved on a generation or two, and tastes in music, whether religious or secular, have changed. The … Continue reading When the music changed
Fashionable “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” This claim became fashionable in the second half of the 20th Century and remains so, but how valid is it? Words change their meaning over time, but this isn’t just about words – it’s about values. When we use the word “spirituality” in opposition to religion we are separating … Continue reading Spirituality that works
An old Italian proverb, “traduttore, traditore” meaning that a translator is a traitor is as applicable to Bible translations as to any other text. Each language arises from a culture, with its individual traditions and images, which determine the precise meaning of even the simplest of terms. When a country lady from Bavaria says “haus” … Continue reading Luther’s deliberate mistranslation
After each incident of ‘Islamic terrorism’ someone is likely to remind us that ‘Islam is a religion of peace’. Christianity is founded on a message of “peace on earth and goodwill to all men” but has to face disturbing facts about times when the church acted in ways that didn’t match that ideal. Even Jews, … Continue reading Small Gods
