It’s only 21 days until Christmas. Are you excited yet? This year, I’ve been excited for Christmas since July. Let me explain why.
I had the interesting experience of being in a Muslim-majority country over the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Fitr this summer. Now, there are certainly significant differences between the months of Ramadan (no eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset) and Advent (“Woohoo! Chocolate every morning!”). But the whole run-up to Eid certainly felt very festive—a sort of bizarre, very sweaty, Christmas.... continue reading
Background: Inspired by David Robertson’s “The Dawkins Letters”, I’m writing a series of short letters to Brian Cox in light of his new series, The Human Universe.
Dear Brian Cox,
I do hope you’re still with me. I’m writing several letters to try and keep things brief – addressing just a couple of points at a time. Seeking to persuade people is a funny old thing. I read with interest your recent admission that, when you went on Newsnight, you used a special underhand trick your friend had told you about – that whenever you wanted to make a point, you waved and thrashed your arms around exasperatedly so that the camera would find you again. I’ll bear that in mind if I’m every on the telly. I can’t do it in a letter. But I hope you’re still with me. So, on we go…... continue reading
Background: Inspired by David Robertson’s “The Dawkins Letters”, I’m writing a series of short letters to Brian Cox in light of his new series, The Human Universe.
Dear Brian Cox,
You’ve certainly seen the world, during your series. It’s hard not to be envious of the stamps on your passport. You’re in the Rift Valley, then you’re watching that Soyz capsule land safely in Kazakhstan, then you’re at a shrine in Kyoto, then visiting Hindu boys at training school in Pushkar. I find myself imagining conversations between you and the finance manager … “No, I’m sorry but there’s really no way I can illustrate this point without going to Easter Island.” Whoever was in charge of the budget must have been mightily relieved when you planned episode 4 and let it slip that you grew up in Chadderton, and not Sydney or somewhere like that!
Brian, though there was lots that I liked about your documentary, my second letter is going to be quite negative I’m afraid. It’s because of what you went on to say about the biblical God – or, more generally in your words, “some kind of deity”, in your episode, “Why are we here?”... continue reading
Background: Inspired by David Robertson’s “The Dawkins Letters”, I’m writing a series of short letters to Brian Cox in light of his new series, The Human Universe.
Dear Brian Cox,
Congratulations on your TV series, “The Human Universe”. It has been extremely well thought out, and marvellously well produced. For years I’ve enjoyed BBC documentaries that make science accessible, and in many respects your programme has achieved that aim. You’ve come a long way since you were playing the keyboard for D:REAM. Then again, as you sang yourselves, things could only get better.
But Brian, before you simply add this to your pile of fanmail, I’m actually writing because – as a Christian – I have some deep concerns about The Human Universe. I can’t possibly raise all of them, as there were lots of little asides throughout the series that I felt unfairly dismissed belief in the God of the Bible, or inaccurately presented your own beliefs and contentions as though they are facts rather than theories. But I think instead that it’s both necessary and helpful just to take up a few issues that you raised and discussed, in the hope that they cause you – and others who I hope will read these letters – to think again. To be honest, I am very concerned about all of this. I’m concerned that you yourself seem to have picked up false ideas about the Christian faith, and dismissed it for wrong reasons. But I’m also concerned about the influence that you yourself – and your documentaries – have upon your viewers. So, without further ado, let me dive in.... continue reading
Today we take a look at the climax of Paul’s speech in Antioch from Acts 13, to meditate on two amazing blessings we can have through Christ:
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”
Acts 13:38-39
So what are the two things that Paul says we can now have through Jesus?
These wonderful blessings are both ‘through Jesus’ and they are given to whoever believes.
Based on an extract taken from Explore Daily Bible Reading Notes.
Well worth taking some time to watch Sam Allberry's session from the 2014 ERLC National Conference on “The Gospel, Homosexuality, and the Future of Marriage.”
You can order Sam's book, Is God anti-gay?, HERE.
It's Halloween on Friday (it will also be Reformation Day, but our local shops don’t seem to be stocking too many Martin Luther outfits). Whether you think the festival is horrendous, harmless, or somewhere in between, why not make sure you’re praying about it… here are five pointers from Colossians:... continue reading
We're called to grow - to bear fruit for the gospel (John 15:8). And we're called to help our brothers and sisters do the same (Hebrews 10:24). But there are some great ways to ensure we duck our responsibilities ... here are just five. Maybe you can spot your tendency in the mix:... continue reading
Do you ever doubt the strength of the Lord?
Probably not when you’re in a Bible study and you’re asked a theological question but on those days in between church and home group, do you doubt he can act?
Can God really sort out the wars? The injustice? The hunger? The persecution in the world? Can he really bring the promised peace?
Is he really sovereign over the chaos – the floods, the accidents, the abuse? Will there be true perfection one day?
Can he heal the brokenness in your life? Enable you to conquer that persistent sin? Can he truly bring to completion the work he has begun in each of us?
Will evangelism ever be complete? Will his gospel ever reach the farthest corners of the world? Will his Kingdom ever fully come …?... continue reading
A. Choosing (what version?)
For most internationals (except university and post-grad students), a simplified translation of the Bible is best. The NIV may be suitable for students who have reached an advanced level of English (roughly corresponding with British university entry level). Otherwise, think about using one of the following:
Advantages
