As A New Semester Begins…
I wonder what the apostle Paul might make of the critical study of the Scriptures? In my mind there is no doubt that this mode of study is a double-edged sword. Critical studies of Scripture have expanded our knowledge of the Bible, …
4 3 2 1
Paul Auster, 4 3 2 1 (London: Faber & Faber, 2013) 1070pp. ISBN: 978-0-571-32465-1 It seems I can only read a big novel when I am on holiday; life seems too busy otherwise. This is certainly the biggest novel I have read …
Journal of Baptist Theology in Context
John Olley, former Principal here at Vose Seminary, has alerted me to the launch of a new Baptist journal: the Journal of Baptist Theology in Context. The ‘in context’ part of the title locates the focus of the journal in the interface …
The 2019 Annual Vose Lecture
On August 2, 2019 Ben Witherington III delivered the Annual Vose Lecture on the theme, “A Singular Jesus in a Pluralistic Culture.” In essence, the lecture was an applied New Testament apologetics within a Wesleyan Evangelical framework of thought. Witherington explored Jesus’ …
Playing a Long Game
I came across this quote in a recent newspaper article in the aftermath of George Pell’s conviction for sexual abuse of two children. It is a prediction made by fellow Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, who looks a great deal like Senator …
Scripture on Sunday – James 3:15
James 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic (NASB). Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil (NIV). In this verse James continues his contrast of …
A Prayer for Sunday
Lord, In this bounded space of just a few days, As I begin a process of temporary withdrawal from the world of endless activity and pressing engagements; As I begin, too, a withdrawal from the endless noise and distraction of the world, …
Scripture on Sunday – James 3:14
James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. The juxtaposition of and sudden shift from verse 13 to verse 14 indicates that James is contrasting some others with those who are …
Scripture on Sunday – James 3:13
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 begins a new little section in this epistle, following a long teaching on the power of the tongue which …
Scripture on Sunday – Luke 24:44-46
There is much in Luke 24 that we could speak about: Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the discovery of the empty tomb by the women, the failure of the disciples to believe the women, the revelation of Jesus to the disciples at Emmaus, …