Laurence Lovell – gone to Glory
“But we do not you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus,…
Category Bible
He and I; author and authority
A curious feature about Daniel 4 is the way it begins in the 3rd person and then is told in the 1st person. King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has…
Grace, grace, grace
If salvation by grace through faith spans both Old and New Testament (see earlier post), then what is the difference in the New Testament? And why is there such an emphasis upon the theme of grace in the New? These…
Doctrine of Justification
“The essential feature of the Reformation doctrines of justification is that a deliberate and systematic distinction is made between justification and regeneration. Although it must be emphasised that this distinction is purely notional, in that it is impossible to separate…
The Bible – one book, two covenants
“Salvation by grace through faith is not merely the province of New Testament theology but has always been the way in which God has called his people.” (WJ Dumbrell, Romans, p 99). Bill Dumbrell’s comment comes in the context of…
What founds unity?
“Some controversy is crucial for the sake of life-giving truth. Running from it is a sign of cowardice. But enjoying it is usually a sign of pride. Some necessary tasks are sad, and even victory is not without tears –…
Marathons & the Big Picture
Over the past week, I’ve watched a few video clips of Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge running last Sunday’s Berlin Marathon where he set the new world record for men of 2:01:09 (Sunday 25th September 2022). I’ve only run one marathon at a much…
Paul and Ecclesiastes
“For the creation was subjected to futility…” (Romans 8:20) The Greek word, mataioteti, translated futility in the ESV of Romans 8:20, has been much discussed by commentators. The noun only occurs in two other places in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:17,…
The Spirit of Prayer
“Hannah wept…She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.” (1 Samuel 1:7, 10). Dale Davis notes that there is a myth which circulates around the church that runs along the line that Old Testament believers didn’t have…
Flesh and Spirit
“The Egyptians are man, and not God, and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, the helper will stumble, and he who is helped will fall, and they will all perish together.” (Isaiah…