Motivation: sometimes we feel that that’s the crucial missing piece in seeing our fellowship move forward in effective evangelism! Here … More
Author: Pete Lowman
This page is a selection of what you’ll find on this site (see menu)…..
… and there’s a Search box at the foot of this page so you can find topics or Bible passages.
Latest: PS: `Grace` Is The Point Of All We’ve Seen (5:12-14) – But What Does It Mean?
So here we are at the end of 1 Peter. Peter, we’ve seen, is someone for whom reflection on the … More
Latest: 1 Peter #9: The Way Ahead (4:12-5:11)
We’re almost at the close of 1 Peter, so now we watch how Peter brings all the great things he … More
1 Peter #8: The Vision That Arms Us (4:1-11)
Studying 1 Peter could save our lives. We’re only on this planet for a few decades; we’re in heaven for … More
1 Peter #7: The New Testament’s Most Puzzling Verses? (3:18-4:1)
This time we’ve reached what are maybe the new testament’s most difficult verses. But of course as part of the … More
1 Peter #6: Wrestling With Wilderness Relationships (2:11-3:18)
1 Peter seems to be written particularly for believers going through experiences of `exile`; of being away from our `home`, … More
1 Peter #5: We Have A Home In The Wilderness (2:4-10)
`Pioneering` in the Bible – following the taste, the desire, for the `pure milk of the Word’ – will lead … More
1 Peter #4: Three Roots For Our Lasting Transformation (1:15-2:3)
We saw last time how `setting our hope’, our desires, `fully’ on the enormous glory coming our way from the … More
1 Peter #3: The Power Of Desire (1:10-14)
I’m glad we’re looking at 1 Peter, because it’s an extremely rich book, and 1 Peter 1 is an extremely … More
1 Peter #2: What is God’s Word For Exiles (And For Us)? (1:1-9)
As our feeding on Scripture takes us to Peter’s first letter, we sense its recipients working through the tough experiences … More
1 Peter#1: What We’ll Get (Fairly Uniquely) From This Book
There are two sides to the Christian life. The norm – and this cannot be said too strongly, because Jesus … More
Someone’s Moving Away? Finding Their Next Church Home Is Vital
One of the most crucial times for pastoral care may be when someone leaves our church because they’re moving to … More
Joel – When The Everyday Meets The Cosmic
As minor prophets go, Joel seems particularly minor. He prophesies during a national crisis; a horde of locusts have been … More
Habakkuk – A Prophet We Really Should Know!
Feeding on the `minor` prophets is a challenge! As my former colleague Andrew Waugh said, they seem to move around … More
Foundations 3-10: Growing In Following Jesus – God, The World, And Me
Last time we thought about how, since the Cross, Resurrection and Pentecost, Christ has been bringing more and more people … More
Foundations 3-9: Growing In Following Jesus – God’s Plan For The World
Where is the world going? Many people are troubled about where everything is heading. We as children of its Creator … More
Foundations 3-8: Growing In Following Jesus – What Are My Gifts & How Do I Grow Them?
This is a post-Easter post! `When [Jesus] ascended on high, he… gave gifts to his people` (Eph 4). So this … More
Foundations 3-7: Growing In Following Jesus – What Is Church & How Does It Fit In?
In this post we’re focusing on one of the central and most glorious visions by which we live, the reason … More
Foundations 3-6: Growing In Following Jesus – How Can I Know What Is Best To Do, How Will Jesus Guide Me?
What may the coming 18 months hold? Some of us will face big decisions: about a relationship; or a job, … More
Foundations 3-5: Growing In Following Jesus – How Does That Work For My Work-Time?
Would you expect to think about worktime in a discipleship course? What does God have to say about it? He … More
Foundations 3-4: Growing In Following Jesus – How Does That Work For My Time?
Here’s a vital topic for us to grapple with if we want our lives to be fruitful! God has put … More
Foundations 3-3: Growing In Following Jesus – How Does That Work For My Money?
Money seems a really profitable (!) topic for this post, since Christ presents it as a key force in opposition … More
Foundations 3-2: Growing In Following Jesus – Learning Forgiveness
Jesus highlights just one aspect of relationships in the Lord’s Prayer, and the verses that follow; giving forgiveness (Matt 6:12-15). … More
Foundations 3-1: Growing In Following Jesus – In Relationships
With this post we’re launching out on the third and final module of our Foundations course. My prayer is this … More
Thinking Through Church Discipline Before It Arises
Church discipline is something we may well hope never to have to handle. Unfortunately, the new testament makes clear it’s … More
Looking After Your Homegroup Leaders
It’s been said that a healthy church is like a bird with two wings. We need our sunday gatherings because … More
Outreach Using Surveys & Questionnaires
In outreach we want to find ways to get into good conversations about Jesus! – and one way is through … More
Fostering Warmer Fellowship In Our Homegroup
This is something we can helpfully reflect on in our own group, starting with two questions: What characterises our time … More
Ephesians (part 8): `Church`, She’s Not Quite What We Think – God’s Temple, God’s Household (2:19-22)
I’ve been much blessed these last weeks absorbing God’s revelation in Ephesians of what `Church` means: She is Christ’s Bride … More
Ephesians (part 5): `Church`, She’s Not Quite What We Think – The Bride (5:25-32)
We’ll relate better to Church if we grasp who She is! If we speed-read on through Ephesians, we’ll see how … More
Ephesians (part 2): I Realise I Don’t Pray About The Things Paul Prays About… (1:15-23)
Now comes a chance for us to foster a habit that’s important to Bible feeding – to begin noticing times … More
Ephesians: The Vision Of The Ultimate! (1:1-14)
Ephesians has been called the summit of the new testament. `It must be manifest to the most casual reader that … More
Foundations 2-12: The Essential Art of Follow-Up – Doing Things That Will Really Last
Jesus did not call His followers just to win converts, but to make disciples! In physical birth, we don’t leave … More
Foundations 2-11: When The Dream Comes True…
So the time comes when you’ve shared the gospel with your friend. And now you sense this may be the … More
Foundations 2-10: Answering Commonly-Voiced Questions (The Contradictory Bible?, Why Trust the Gospels…)
This is the last of four posts on answering the questions friends pose to our faith. Actually, this is something … More
Foundations 2-9: Answering Commonly-Voiced Questions (The Evil Church, Climate Change, Homosexuality, Slavery…)
Here’s our third post on how we can respond to common objections raised to our faith. Actually, many questions we … More
Foundations 2-8: Answering Commonly-Voiced Questions (Only One Way? The Unevangelized… etc)s
Here’s the second of four posts to help us respond to objections friends raise to our faith. Today, `How can … More
Foundations 2-7: Answering Commonly-Voiced Questions (Science & Faith, Suffering…)
Something that can weaken our confidence in sharing Jesus, is if we’re afraid of being asked questions we can’t answer. … More
Foundations 2-6: Reasons For Faith 3 – Was Jesus Mad? Bad? Or God?
This is maybe the most central reason for faith. But it’s far more: this is the vital challenge at the heart of … More
Foundations 2-5: Reasons For Faith 2 – The Resurrection: These Are The Facts
Here’s a really core reason why we have such good cause to worship Jesus as God. This can be solid … More
Foundations 2-4: `But Have You Really Got Any Reasons For Your Faith?`
STARTER: Something that can destroy our confidence is if we feel we don’t know the reasons for our faith. And … More
Foundations 2-3: Reading Jesus’ Biography With Friends Who Aren’t Yet Christians
Starter: God reveals himself most clearly in Jesus (Heb 1: 1-3). In what ways might friends you know really encounter … More
Foundations 2-2: How We Prepare To Be Fruitful
STARTER: How do you think we can prepare ourselves for God to use us? What kind of – normal – … More
Foundations 2-1: Sharing Jesus, & Why It Will Be Fruitful
At the end of Matthew Jesus gives us a command He desires should shape our lives as His followers: `Go … More
Thinking Point – Why The English Novel Ignores God
The history of English literature is a curious thing. And one especially odd thing about it is it contains so … More
A Fresh Way To Explore the Bible, As A Group! (Bob Grahmann Guest Blog)
Many small groups could discover vast new vistas of the Bible if they discovered Manuscript Bible Study! It’s astonishing how … More
Rev 21&22: How God Closes Out The Bible
Grasp these final chapters of God’s Word, and we’ll catch the vision of something vital: we’ll grasp what the word … More
Rev 19&20: The Three Ways The World Ends
There will be a real, conclusive End to history as we know it. (We need to grasp that!) Here we … More
Rev 17&18 – How An Economic System Can Become Demonic, And What That Means For Us
Revelation 17 and 18 are absolutely fascinating, culturally and politically! They show how part of Satan’s final push will be … More
Rev 14>16: Lots To Think About Here
What will we gain from feeding on these chapters? A lot! First, we’ll be reminded imaginatively, at the start of … More
Britain Could Well Be Actively Persecuting Bible Christians in 2>3 Years Time…
We’re pausing our Revelation series for a week, because it’s vital to flag up that Britain could be actively persecuting … More
Rev 13: We Need To Take This Very Seriously – We Just Might Live Through It…
The close of history: God shows us in Revelation that, before Christ finally intervenes as King, there will be a … More
Vital Christian Lifestyle – Live More Simply So That Others May Simply Live! (Chua Wee Hian Guest Blog)
`Ten thousand died today because of inadequate food. 1 billion people are mentally retarded or physically deformed because of poor … More
Romans (#9): `Fixed In The Certainty Of Love Unchanging!’ (8:30-39)
Romans’ central chapters have shown us one wonderful thing after another. `So what shall we say to these things?’ Surely, … More
Romans (#8): Visions of Horror And Glory (8:22-30)
Romans’ central section has a whole series of glorious, inspirational revelations, that can lead our grasp of our faith to … More
Facing Conflict And Tough Conversations?
We’re pausing Romans for one week for a guest blog written awhile ago on something practical and really important, by … More
Romans (#7): `More Than We Can Ask Or Imagine!` (ch8:14-23)
`Sin shall not be your master’, we’ve seen! Thankyou, Father! But God has far more for us in Romans! Holiness … More
Romans 6>8 (#3): Something Dramatic Happened When You Were Born Again…!
God promises us in Romans, unreservedly and remarkably, that `Sin shall not be your master!’ (6:14). Let’s absorb again just … More
Using ChatGPT In Ministry
I’ve recently been on a quite staggering OM webinar on the potential uses of ChatGPT in ministry and mission, and … More
Slavery And The Bible’s Attitude
I’m finding this a topic that often gets brought up dialoguing with atheists. Which feels a bit odd when you … More
Revelation 12 – The Agelong Spiritual War!
We’re starting now on the last section of our Revelation series — with maybe the book’s obscurest chapter, ch12! But … More
Rev 8 to 11: Understanding History’s Final Crisis
Does Revelation teach us the permanent principles hidden but active in every phase of history? Or does it show us … More
Rev 7: Heaven’s Wonder From Another Angle!
Now Revelation 7. A slightly surprising chapter, but actually hugely uplifting – a key chapter, too, for catching Revelation’s flow, … More
Growing In Pastoral Care In The Homegroup – And Elsewhere!
(The latest in our occasional series for homegroup leaders and homegroup leader training – for more see our Homegroup Leader … More
Revelation 5 & 6 – The Unreadable Book of Human Suffering
In Revelation’s powerful chapters 5 and 6 we read of a sealed book no one can access. When it’s finally … More
Old Testament Intro Course 6: The Prophets
Today we’re exploring the old testament’s great final section: the Prophets. And we’ll begin with the greatest of them all, … More
Old Testament Intro Course 5: The `Writings` – Job to Song of Solomon
We come now to a wonderful but very different set of old testament books. Here’s a few introductory ideas that … More
Marriage Crisis First Aid
Suddenly I hear there is a marriage in deep crisis among the people I’m caring for. It would be nice … More
Genesis 1 part 1: What Is Our God Like?
Genesis opens the Bible with some of its most profound and enriching pages. It tackles some of the most fundamental … More
Genesis 1 part 2: Why’s It So Great To Be Human?
Genesis: a fantastic book that answers so many of our most basic questions! In our last post we went right … More
Revelation 1 & intro: This Book Is About Jesus’ Glory!
We’re starting a new series of posts on the first half of the book of Revelation. I’m really looking forward … More
Genesis 2: And What Does It Mean To Be Human?
Genesis 2 moves on to present the arrival of humankind. And what it gives us is extremely important; it describes … More
39 Ways `The God Delusion` Is A Sloppy Book
The God Delusion seems to have become an atheist holy book. Its writer, Richard Dawkins, has elsewhere proved himself an … More
Vision Building In The Homegroup
The crucial starting-point for vision in our homegroup is our own vision for God and what he is doing in … More
20 Things To Check In The Week Before You Preach
Pray for God’s presence, as you prepare, and on the day: `I will not go unless You go with me!` … More
Foundations 1-1: The Heart of Christian Faith: Christ Crucified
There’s nothing more important than really grasping the key themes of our faith. In these next posts we’ll be feeding … More
Genesis 3: Why Is Our World Such A Mess?; And The 5 Crucial Temptations
Genesis 3 is an incredibly helpful chapter. It shows us the historical catastrophe that ruined our world; it records also … More
Genesis 4: Why Is Our Culture In Such A Mess?
There’s a vast amount that’s enormously important in Genesis 3 and 4. People often express a sense that something is, … More
Genesis – Answering The Standard Questions
Why are we feeding on Genesis? Why do we believe it? And how do we answer the questions that we’re … More
Adam and Eve: When and Where?
In recent decades we’ve needed people who can work out how a high view of the Bible’s reliability coheres with contemporary cosmology … More
Leadership Review Questions On Our Evangelism
How can we see a lot more people start following Jesus? Here are some questions that may perhaps be useful … More
Western Literature And The Death of God
(This extended post is a broad, top-level survey, adapted from a lecture given at Moscow State Linguistic University. Other posts … More
What Should We Make Sure We Teach?
What shall we teach in our church this year? And how can our church’s teaching programme be as fruitful as … More
Leading Effective Prayer Meetings (George Verwer guest blog)
Satan’s greatest aim is to destroy our prayer lives. Satan is not afraid of prayerless work or prayerless religion. But … More
Eleven Questions For Youth Leaders
It’s a fantastic privilege for us as youth leaders to unlock the destiny of the folk we serve. So how? … More
Helping Our Church Love The World Like God Does
We worship a God who loved the lost world so much that he gave the most precious thing he had … More
Pastoral First-Response, Or Crisis, Resources: A Selection
One of the big challenges a church leader can face is when pastoral issues come up that we feel ill-equipped … More
Isaiah 1 to 5 and intro
Today we’ve reached Isaiah: glorious, indispensable, once we find the path through it; the OT’s greatest prophet – so, one … More
Planning Church Leadership Training
To be fruitful, churches need to be good at investing in good people, and so generating leaders! At our church … More
Listening Together: Joint Muslim-Christian Events
On numerous occasions I’ve had the huge privilege of involvement in a get-together where many dozens of Muslim friends listened … More
Your Church’s Statement of Faith: Why & How
Why do we need a church statement of faith? And what do we actually do with it? The answer’s simple. … More
Isaiah 6: How God Prepares A Spokesperson
Today we’re in one of the old testament’s greatest chapters. We, like Isaiah here, are called to speak for God … More
Esther intro
As we listen to God in Scripture we want to get a better grip on how we live for Him … More
1 Samuel intro
The eight earliest books of the Bible seem to be setting out the fundamentals of faith. One way of looking … More
Isaiah 7 and 8: Living By Faith At A Culture’s Turning-Point
Today, two highly important chapters of Isaiah; sections repeatedly quoted in the NT, chapters that actually introduce Jesus here! Their … More
1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel and the next 8 Bible books offer a leadership training manual: what things mark people God uses – … More
Parenting – part 1
1 Samuel is the Bible’s first `leadership manual`. And strikingly, the common factor in its very first stories is raising … More
Sermon On The Mount intro
The sermon on the mount has to be one of the most massively important parts of Scripture. There’s more of … More
Old Testament Intro Course 1 – The Big Picture
I love the old testament! There’s so much of God’s glory in it. Agreed, some parts can be hard work. … More
Parenting – part 2
Like we said: 1 Samuel is the Bible’s first `leadership manual`, and the common factor in its first two stories … More
Isaiah 9: Getting The Christmas Passage Right
Here’s something really daft I’ve seen churches do at Christmas. They’ve wanted to flag up the background to Jesus’ birth … More
Leading Prayer In The Homegroup
What are the advantages of prayer in homegroups? It brings us closer together It releases God’s power It brings us … More
Job part 1
Now’s the time for us to launch into the – little-read? – book of Job. Below are some initial, thought-provoking … More
Fasting… Why? How?
Fasting has in recent times been recognized as having significant medical benefits. But it has significant spiritual benefits too! And … More
Fostering Evangelism In Our Homegroup
How can we foster evangelism through our homegroup? God so loved the world that He gave the very best thing … More
Worship Leading In The Homegroup
First, before we talk about what we do when we worship God in homegroups: what is `worship`? `Worship` is — … More
Isaiah 11 and 12: Fantastic Cosmic Restoration!
Today, two of the most joyous bits of Isaiah… Here’s a key thing about reading old testament books: we grasp … More
Old Testament Intro Course 2: Foundations (1)
WELCOME TO THE BANQUET! What we’ll to try to do in the rest of this course (and what you can … More
Isaiah 13 to 26: What It Means That God is King of Kings
Here’s an important thing about feeding on the Bible: there are parts where it doesn’t help to go slowly, like … More
1 Sam 7: The Path to Real Renewal
1 Samuel: leadership training. These next chapters show us how a leader leads people into deeper commitment. Eli fails in … More
1 Sam 8 and 12: Servant Leadership And The Other Kind
1 Samuel 8 and 12 bring us something vital about leadership. These chapters help us see two kinds of leaders … More
1 Sam 9 to 15: Saul – Losing Your Life-Destiny
If there’s one old testament story that scares me, it’s our next one, about Saul: how it’s possible to lose … More
1 Sam 14: The Kind Of Person God Uses
1 Samuel 14 is one of the great commando raids of history, when God used Jonathan in a venture that … More
David: Not Quite Like We Think
Now David. David: a nice blue-eyed, curly-haired boy sweetly playing his harp? Not quite. Actually, a deeply damaged kid from a … More
1 Sam 17: What We Learn From David & Goliath
If there’s one part of 1 Samuel that everyone knows, it’s ch17, David and Goliath. And so it should be. … More
1 Sam 18 to 31: What We Learn From Saul
We’re going through 1 Samuel. A series of people – some did well with their lives, some didn’t. How? Why? … More
1-2: The Heart of Christian Faith – Repentance And Faith
In this course we’re feeding on 6 key themes of our faith. I pray this will bless us – and … More
Job part 2 – Amidst The Agonizingly Incomprehensible
OK, now we’re starting exploring the tough but astonishing book of Job. After last week’s intro, today chapter 1; which … More
1 Sam 19: A Deeper Grasp Of The Spirit
There’s a darkly funny episode in 1 Samuel’s history of Saul’s disintegration. It’s funny, but it’s also a bit bizarre … More
1 Sam 22 & 24: The Way Of The New King
It’s great to read 1 Samuel. It contains so many practical encouragements! We’ve watched how Israel chose against God’s style … More
Psalm 22: David’s Cry In The Dark
Last week we saw what we gain from how David (sometimes, not always) symbolises Jesus the Son of David. This … More
1 Sam 25: When A David Goes Wrong
This week we’ll look at David for the last time. And the question is: how do you help a David … More
1 Sam 28 & 31: The Last Lessons From Saul
Today we complete our `leadership training` from watching the leaders in 1 Samuel. Today’s is a dramatic, powerful story, and … More
1 Samuel summary
As we leave 1 Samuel – what do we learn from it? Here’s an overall summary, the whole book in … More
Some Pointers For Disciplers
`Making disciples`, really serious followers of Jesus, is central to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). What we call `discipling` happens … More
Isaiah 20 & 22: Two Hugely Challenging Chapters
Today two short parts of Isaiah that I find very personal and very, very challenging indeed… Last time we embarked … More
Old Testament Intro Course 3: Foundations (2) – Leviticus to Ruth
I pray that what follows gives some really fertile starting points for grasping these six foundational books! Last time we … More
1-3: The Bible – Why Do We Trust & Follow It?
God hasn’t left us alone! He loves us massively and has given us His Word – the Bible – as … More
Job part 3 – How Not To Be A Friend
Today our third Job post: how not to be a friend! (It seemed a good idea to include some notes … More
Homegroup Leaders – A Possible Job Description
The homegroup leader plays a vital role in God’s work. She or he seeks to make sure that homegroup happens, … More
Enhancing Your Bible Feeding
How can we feed ourselves more fruitfully from the Bible? Well, first, do it with God! Ask for His help, … More
Isaiah 23 to 26 again: The End
God crafts a powerful, wonderful finish to this part of Isaiah (chs 21-26)! Like we saw last week, there’s been … More
Old Testament Intro Course 4: The Leadership Manual – 1 Samuel to Esther
Now the old testament’s further `historical books`. How will we feed on these – and why? Well, first, to understand … More
1-4: The Bible – What Do We Actually Do With It?
Last time we saw how trusting the Bible is central to following Jesus. He made very clear that it’s 100% … More
What Makes A Good Homegroup Bible Study?
BEFORE THE MEETING – LEADER’S PREPARATION: Pray: for faithfulness to the Bible, for wisdom and understanding, personal learning for the … More
Job part 4 – chapters 3 to 31 (1)
Job is one of the Bible’s least-known books, even though it’s totally God-inspired! And I’ve come to see how little … More
Some Ways To Enhance Our Prayer Lives?
To begin: grasp afresh, deep down, the reality that it makes a big difference that we pray – James 4:2, … More
Hebrews 1 and intro
Hebrews: we really need to know Hebrews! It’s different from any other new testament book. Like others, though, it’s a … More
Global Vision In The Homegroup
God is a missionary God; and from its opening pages the Bible shows us his passionate heart for the lost, … More
A Prayer For The Homegroup Leader’s Fridge
Sunday: Father, please help me grow as a homegroup leader! Monday: Father, please grant each of us more vision for … More
Job part 5 – chapters 3 to 31 (2)
These 2 weeks’ posts have aimed to supply a `pocket map` of the turbulent central section of the great book … More
Isaiah 27 to 35: So Many Practical Jewels!
And so we reach the final chapters of Isaiah’s first half. They start with chapters chewier than some, but what … More
James 1 and intro
This week a few introductory thoughts that may help us feed on James; and why it matters… For some of … More
1-5: Prayer – What Actually Is It?
Last week we explored how we can better hear God speaking to us through His Word; this week, it’s how … More
1 Peter 1 and intro
This time an introduction to 1 Peter! Why is it valuable? It’s valuable because our Christian life involves two types … More
Revelation 4 – What God Desires To Show Us About Heaven!
Today we launch out on a new series exploring the strange and wonderful book of Revelation – beginning with as … More
Revelation 2: Recovering God’s Truth – And Losing The Love…
This week we start Revelation 2. Which I suspect has something to say to any of us who are following … More
Job part 6 – Elihu (chs 32 to 37)
We’re coming to the dramatic close of Job. Last week we watched Job’s last, powerful speech: `Let the Almighty answer … More
Rev 2 part 2 – Jesus On Not Being Tolerated, & On Tolerating
In these posts we’re listening to Revelation 2 and 3 – vital chapters, because, remarkably, they show us just how … More
Rev 3 – Which Church Would You Rather Be Part Of?
In Revelation’s seven letters, Jesus speaks to seven churches linked with the aging apostle John. It’s a tough time: most … More
Rev 3: Jesus Says These Christians Make Him Spit… What About Me?
The last of Jesus’ letters in Revelation, to Laodicea, is probably the most well-known, & perhaps the most powerful. Jesus … More
Questions For Group Vision Reviews
Every homegroup needs a periodical vision review. If we lose our grasp of God’s vision for our group – why … More
Isaiah 36 to 39 (part one): Why Are these Records So Crucial?
Isaiah 36-39 raise a big question for any serious Bible reader! Isaiah prophesied during four kings’ dramatic reigns, but there’s … More
Revelation 4 & 5 – Basics To Help Us Worship!
Revelation records a lot about singing, and shows us a lot to help us learn to worship! Obviously a book … More
Isaiah 36 to 39 (part two): Why Are These Records So Crucial?
As we said last week: Isaiah 36-39 raise a very big question. There’s very little history in Isaiah apart from … More
Job part 7: The Glory Of The God Who Now Answers (chs 38-41)
So here we are at Job 38-41, this book’s amazing climax. These are chapters we must grasp if we want … More
1-6: Some Ways To Enhance Our Own Prayer Lives
STARTER: What (Bible verses? stories? ideas?) have particularly motivated you to pray? Well: here are some ideas that can help … More
Isaiah 40 (part one): The Sheer Greatness of God!
If we seek one old testament chapter that embodies the sheer greatness of God, for me it’s today’s: Isaiah 40 … More
Isaiah 40 (part two): The Sheer Greatness of God!
Again: if we seek just one OT chapter that embodies the sheer greatness of God, it’s arguably Isaiah 40 – … More
Isaiah 41 to 52: So Much Fuel For Joy!
We’re now headed into some wonderfully joyous sections of Isaiah. Try reading 43:1-7 in your personal worship, or 41:17-20, or … More
Job part 8: What Has All This Meant For Job? (ch42)
So: what is the point of the book of Job, what has all this been about? Last time we explored … More
Core Issues 1: Was Jesus Mad? Bad? Or God?
This is the vital challenge at the heart of Christianity. If Jesus really is God, it makes all the difference … More
Core Issues 2: The Resurrection Evidence
Here’s the second core reason why we have such good cause to worship Jesus as God. If we’re Christians, this is … More
1-7: Who Is God The Holy Spirit, And What Is He Like?
STARTER: God makes it clear that He wants us to be gloriously transformed, growing just like Jesus; and, this comes … More
Isaiah 42, 49-50: The Servant Of The Lord
Today: Very remarkable things about Jesus, that we may well not have seen before! Like we’ve said: in Isaiah’s second … More
Isaiah 53: The Centre of This World’s History
When we look back from eternity, we’ll see this planet as the world where the cross happened… The cross is … More
Isaiah 55: What Is Worth Living For?
Today’s piece of Isaiah, chapter 55, tackles the big question: What is really worth my living and striving for? It … More
Isaiah 58: Fasting – And Why Doesn’t God Hear My Prayers?
Isaiah 58 is very, very challenging. Why doesn’t God hear my prayers? And: Might there be something deeply wrong with … More
1-8: Living By The Spirit
One totally vital rule for Christian fruitfulness: `”Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit”, says the Lord`! … More
Isaiah 60: The Big Picture Of Our World’s Future
Today’s chapter, Isaiah 60, is radiantly triumphant, and very helpful! “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory … More
Isaiah 61: Here (Wonderfully!) Is What The Spirit Does….
This week’s piece of Isaiah is another phenomenal, refreshing chapter, ch61… If we grasp it we’ll receive a huge vision … More
Isaiah 63 and 64: Knowing Father Better
This week’s passage is dramatic. It helps us grasp how the Father-God relationship works, & how it’s deepened; which leads … More
Isaiah 65 and 66: How Does God Wrap Up A Book Like Isaiah?
Isaiah is – to my mind! – the great old testament prophet. So there’s an obvious question: with what particularly … More
2 Samuel: intro and David
Today we launch out on the 2nd of the OT’s leadership training books: 2 Samuel (or 2 Kings, that is, … More
Psalm 1, 2, and intro
How do we feed ourselves from the Psalms? They’re the Bible’s songbook. They’re also, as Bono says, the Bible’s blues. … More
Psalm 8: Four Fuels For Worship
This week a magnificent worship psalm, Psalm 8… `O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the … More
2 Sam 6: The Leader Learns To Worship
Not surprisingly, one of the first things we find, as we launch out on another of Scripture’s leadership manuals, is … More
2 Sam 1: Helping In A Time Of Bereavement
Today 2 Samuel 1, about something very practical indeed, a skill that will be essential for anyone in any leadership … More
Psalm 18: Model For our Life-Song
Today something else different from usual!- David’s life-song in Psalm 18. Watchman Nee says one thing that really matters in … More
Psalm 22: A Psalm For the Blackest Darkness
This week we’re feeding on Psalm 22: `My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?` – that astonishing cry … More
Psalm 23: `Exceedingly Great & Precious Promises`!
Today’s is perhaps the most treasured of all the Psalms, well worth memorizing, absorbing, regularly reflecting on – Psalm 23 … More
Psalm 24: The Earth Is The Lord’s!
I love this Psalm 24. Read it – then how shall we respond to it? First, obviously, in worship: `The … More
If There’s A God, Why Don’t People Notice? Media & The Loss Of God
It is an extraordinary thing. For the vast majority of the human race, the existence of the supernatural is something … More
How (And Why) Do We Believe In God?
How can we know whether there really is a God who loves us and gives meaning to our lives? According … More
Psalm 51: The Way To Repentance
A crucial thing today, one we all need sometime: How as a Christian (not, as part of my conversion, but … More
Can Reading The Newspapers Make You Go Blind?
A newspaper front page is, in essence, a religious object. Of course that isn’t what we think we’re buying. But … More
Why Believe The Bible?
Why believe the Bible? Your church probably has a statement of faith affirming (among other things) the total trustworthiness of the Bible, as originally given, … More
2 Sam 7: The Leader And Grace
Today another key lesson from our 2 Samuel leadership manual; vital indeed for anyone at all whom God is going … More
2 Sam 9: This Is What Grace Is Like
Last week we explored something seriously vital to anyone God will use: our sense of God’s grace, His colossal, undeserved, … More
Leadership And Power In 2 Samuel
Some of us have to find our way in sometimes murky areas – the politics in management, in education; even, … More
Romans 6>8 (#1): There’s No Wrongful Behaviour We Cannot Break Free From!
I remember when I first discovered Romans 6 as a student. It felt like wonderful dynamite! `Sin shall not have … More
2 Sam 11 (and 13 etc): The Leader And Sex
Today part of our 2 Samuel leadership manual that might be crucial one day for lots of us… A sex … More
Romans 6>8 (#2): There’s **No** Wrongful Behaviour We Cannot Break Free From!
In Romans 6 God makes an incredible – and if, or since, this is God speaking: highly practical – promise … More
2 Sam 12: The Way To Repentance
A crucial thing today, one we all need sometime: How as a Christian (not, as part of my conversion, but … More
Romans 6>8 (#4): Why Then No Instant Triumph? (ch7)
We fed last week on God’s dramatic revelation in Romans 6, so crucial to its guarantee of our liberation from … More
Romans 6>8 (#5) Liberation: The Three Steps Forward On Our Side
Recently we’ve fed on God’s amazing promise that we can be liberated from all – all! – negative behaviours (Rom … More
Liberation in Romans (#6): Deepening Our Grasp Of The Spirit’s Agenda (chs12,13)
Here’s the last of our posts exploring God’s amazing promise that there’s no negative behaviour, at all, that we cannot … More
2 Sam 18:33: This Is What Our Father Is Like
Folks, hello. Something unusual (and brief) this week – just one short verse, as I find it so thought- & … More
Matthew 24: Jesus On the End-Times?
Matthew 24, and its parallel in Mark 13, are arguably the most significant Bible chapters on the end times, and … More
Romans (#10): A PS On Chapter 9 – A Troubling One??- Undeserved Glory!!
The tough parts of Scripture often turn out the most worthwhile. Or, as C S Lewis puts it: the foxhunter … More
2 Sam 22: Model For Our Life-Song
Today something else different from usual!- David’s life-song in 2 Sam 22. Watchman Nee says one thing that really matters … More
2 Sam 23 & 24: So Many Final Lessons!!
So we reach 2 Samuel’s last chapters; and there’s a huge, worship-inspiring amount for us here, as we’ll see. But … More
Proverbs intro
Suppose there was someone who you knew was the wisest man on earth. And, he’d put his life-wisdom into a … More
2 Corinthians(1): Stress And What We Can Get Out Of It (Ch1)
I’ve enjoyed journeying here through the `vision of God’s ultimate` in Ephesians! But sometimes we feel a million miles from … More
Luke resource
This site started out as an archive of ideas on some of the Bible’s chewier parts, in the old testament. … More
2 Corinthians(2): How Paul Copes With Stress – Beyond The Measurable Goals (Ch2)
We’re feeding on 2 Corinthians, where Paul is having a very difficult time and writes on the very edge of … More
2 Corinthians(3): Do We Know We Each `Minister The Spirit`?! (3:1-6)
Now in ch3 we find the third anchor that gives Paul, and us, real `confidence’ (3:4) amid the stresses that … More
2 Corinthians(4): We Point The Wonderful Way Right To The Heart Of God! (3:7-18)
Is there a fourth `anchor’ here that helps Paul survive the stresses, and means WE too surely won’t `lose heart` … More
2 Corinthians(5): You Want Transformation? This Is How It Happens… Channelling Glory! (3:12 (again!)-4:1)
Amid all the pressures we encounter, Paul’s been saying, we’ll be seriously strengthened if we grasp the incredible privilege of … More
2 Corinthians(6): Our Indispensable Weapons (4:1-6)
Summary so far: among all his problems, Paul doesn’t lose heart; and this is because he knows the Word he … More
2 Corinthians(7): Broken Pot Spirituality (4:7-11)
I’m glad some of us are finding this magnificent, profound epistle as lifegiving as I do. As we’ve seen, Paul … More
2 Corinthians(8): Now Let’s Learn About The Glory! (4:12-5:8)
Here’s a lifegiving idea: in the new testament, suffering and glory seem to go together like the two sides of … More
2 Corinthians(9): Turning Vision Into Lifestyle! (5:9-21)
As usual with Paul, mysticism, vision, turns into action, as 2 Corinthians continues. Or, we might equally say, faith comes … More
2 Corinthians(10): Sixfold Transformation!(1) (5:16-7:1)
`If anyone is in Christ`, says Paul (and indeed, God), `they are a new creation’ (2 Cor 5:17)! And as … More
2 Corinthians(11): Sixfold Transformation!(2) (chs7-9)
So now vision is turning into passion, into action! In these chapters we watch Paul embodying the transformation he’s been … More
2 Corinthians(12): God Actually _Plans_ On Our Weakness, In This World Where The Cross Happened! (chs 10-13)
This is our final post on 2 Corinthians. And here, perhaps, comes the heart, the ultimate gift to each of … More
Ephesians(3): God Says We’re In Heaven Right Now!? (2:1-7, 1:13-14)
There’s so much more in Ephesians’ glorious first paragraphs! Not surprisingly, since Paul is expressing the vision of the ultimate, … More
Ephesians(4): Grasping The Cosmic Plan, And Our Own Place In It (1:9-12)
We caught last week something of the wonder that we’re already seated with Christ `in the heavenly realms` (see Eph … More
The Loss Of God As Key To Western Culture: (1) Basis For Identity & Self-Worth
What are the most important questions in your life? (This is an extended post!) Do you identify with this? The … More
The Loss Of God As Key To Western Culture: (2) Basis For Purpose & Desire
What are we living ‘for’? Where are we wanting to go, what is there worth doing? ‘Are we not wandering through … More
Ephesians(6): `Church`, She’s Not Quite What We Think – The Body (1:22-23, 2:15-16, 4:11-16, 5:28-30)
We are Christ’s Bride (last week): what more could we ask or imagine? Yet there’s more! If we speed-read through … More
Questions For Debriefing Your Missionary
It’s very important, when missionaries we support come home (temporarily or longterm), that they feel their home church really cares … More
Ephesians(7): `Church`, She’s Not Quite What We Think – God’s Masterpiece, God’s Workmanship (2:1-10)
We the Church aren’t what we appear. We’ve seen Ephesians bringing us one profound image after another as Paul labours … More
The Loss Of God As Key To Western Culture: (3) Basis For Ethics
`There are altogether no moral facts… Morality is merely an interpretation of certain phenomena – more precisely, a misinterpretation…’ – … More
Deuteronomy 4 and intro
Deuteronomy is a challenging book, and maybe many of us avoid it! I don’t think l preached it during many, … More
The Loss Of God As Key to Western Culture: (4) Basis For Truth
`There are no facts’? ‘What about these conventions of language? Are they really the products of knowledge, of the sense … More
The Loss Of God As Key To Western Culture: (5) Basis For Love
‘Maybe there’s a God, maybe there isn’t. It doesn’t matter much.’ But as we’ve seen, it does matter. And the … More
`Till We Have Faces`: Why Does God Not Speak Clearly?
Among C S Lewis’ many great books are some superb fictions. A favourite of mine is Voyage to Venus, also … More
Ephesians(9): The Vision Of The Incredible Love Of God (2:11-22, 3:14-21)
In these last weeks we’ve absorbed the amazing vision God gives us in Ephesians of `Church`. Now the revelation gets … More
Ephesians(10): The Vision Hits The Road! (4:1-6:9)
Now marriage, sex, workplace, family: in Ephesians God shows us how authentic doctrine (when it’s really from God, not manmade) … More
How The West Tried To Replace God: A History – (1) Literature
Early in the new millennium, our western culture feels, as Thomas Hardy suggested, like a cemetery of dreams. And the … More
Ephesians(11): Won’t Survive Without These (6:10-22)
Like we’ve seen, having presented the cosmic vision, Paul says: You’ll need to do something practical about it, in marital/sexual … More
How The West Tried To Replace God: A History – (2) Rock
In the last post we’ve begun looking at how the dreams have died in our western culture – and at … More
Ephesians(12): The Summit! (6:23-24)
As we’ve seen throughout this series: Ephesians’ vision is of a cosmos that one day will be gloriously freed from … More
Genesis 5
After the Bible’s profound first four chapters, whatever can we learn from something like the genealogy in Genesis 5? Well, … More
Genesis 6
This site’s aim, we’ve said, is partly to learn what we can from the Bible’s chewier parts… So can we … More
Genesis 6 and 7: The Flood
What practically do we, Jesus’ disciples, learn from the Flood? It’s always good to ask, what does the new testament … More
Genesis 7 – the Flood again
Sometimes people say: However can you Christians believe in the flood? Well: we can’t prove it; we don’t have videos … More
Genesis 11 and 12 – Part 1
Genesis (with Exodus) is the deeply foundational book of the old testament, as we’ve seen from its opening chapters: What’s … More
Genesis 11 and 12 – Part 2
The tower of Babel speaks straight into my own life! How? There’s nothing more vital than that we `live by … More
Genesis 12 to 14
Abram’s story again: What’s God’s first massive lesson for us about growing in faith? Genesis has lots to show us… … More
Genesis 15
Today we’re with the key new testament verse about Abram, embodying the very heart of our gospel: ‘Abraham believed God, … More
Genesis 16 and 17
So what’s our third great lesson in faith from Abram? It’s Genesis 16: the classic story of how not to … More
Genesis 18 and 19
Ok, Sodom’s history now. How can we `everyday Christians` be fed from these events? Genesis 18: The Lord in human form … More
Genesis 22 – Part 1
So now we come to Abraham’s last huge lesson in his lifelong growth in faith; Genesis 22. Some things in … More
Genesis 22 – Part 2
Faith is utterly central to our Christian life; God’s people `live by faith`, we’re told. So God is very motivated … More
Genesis 24
OK, Genesis 24, time for a love story: how Isaac gets a wife. And there’s this, from Abraham: `The Lord, … More
Is Jesus Anti-Gay?
Is Jesus anti-gay? This question is hard to talk about for several reasons. First, because it can hit some very … More
`God And the Gay Christian`: A Review
Matthew Vines` book God and the Gay Christian is a good example of a book that seeks to argue that … More
Managing Our Time
Here’s a vital topic for us to grapple with if our lives are to be fruitful! God has put enormous … More
Why Didn’t God Simply Stop Covid?
`If your God is all powerful and all knowing why doesn’t she get rid of Coronavirus?? And if she can’t … More
Pioneering Student Outreach: What Are We Trying To Do Here?
What are we trying to do in pioneering student outreach? This post was originally written to summarize our purpose for … More
Genesis 26 and 27: Isaac
Abram’s story has shown us a huge amount about what faith means. What can we learn from Isaac’s story? Two … More
Student Outreach: Dream Big Dreams! (part one)
This post was originally written when I had the privilege of involvement in the growing IFES student ministry in Europe. … More
Ecclesiastes: a possible intro
The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the hardest to understand in the Bible. `Everything is meaningless!’, announces the Teacher … More
Genesis 25 to 28: Jacob
Genesis, we’ve seen, is the vital book of foundations. What is God like (ch1)? What does it mean to be … More
Student Outreach: Dream Big Dreams! (part two)
THINKING STRATEGICALLY We’ve thought about exposing God’s life within us by individual friendships; and exposing God’s life within our collective … More
Marrying Cross-Culturally: Some Things To Think About
More and more people today are going joyfully into cross-cultural marriages. But when we ourselves did, there was little advice … More
Jesus’ Return: What Does It Mean For Me?
Jesus will come back openly to earth as King! History as we know it will reach its end, its climax. … More
Genesis 32
Ever thought of Jesus as a wimp? Well, today in Genesis 32 we see Jesus as a wrestler. We’ve seen … More
Genesis 37 to 41: Joseph
So, the next of Genesis’ big lessons for us, how God rescues people: how do you sort out a conceited … More
Genesis 39: sex, and Joseph
Last time we started on Joseph. So this time, sexual temptation… Part of Joseph’s salvation and training involved him being … More
Genesis 48 to 50
When I was an English literature student I was taught that, to grasp a great book, you must work on … More
John: Five Starter Thoughts
This post cannot offer to be a full-scale `introduction` to John, when John’s deeply profound gospel could be said to be … More
Joshua 1 (part one) and intro
Today we start feeding on Joshua. I’ve been looking forward to this! Joshua’s story is a book about adventurousness, and … More
Acts resource
This site started out as an archive of ideas on some of the Bible’s chewier parts, in the old testament. … More
Joshua 1: What Leads Into Victory? (part two)
Like we said last week: Joshua is a magnificent, joyful book about victory, about God’s people coming into the promised … More
Joshua 1: What Leads Into Victory? (part three!)
Like we’ve said: Joshua is a hugely helpful book about victory; about God’s people coming into the place where the … More
Exodus intro
God has given us two great foundational books to the Old Testament. Exodus is the second, full of utterly vital … More
Joshua 2: Lessons From A Hooker
What marks God’s people if we’re moving into victory? Part 4! Joshua chapter 2: Joshua sends spies to Jericho. They … More
Exodus 1 and 2
We said about Genesis: to grasp a Bible book we need to grasp its beginning and end. So now Exodus, … More
Exodus 2 to 4 – part 1
As we gaze into the future – as we all do sometimes – and think what God wants to use … More
Joshua 3 and 4: Unexpectedly Profound!
Joshua is an unexpectedly profound book, and today’s chapters are a great example. But some of its stories can seem … More
Reasons For Faith Course: ReadMeFirst
This is an introductory post with resources for a course you could call ANSWERING TOUGH QUESTIONS: on the reasons we … More
Exodus 2 to 4 – part 2
God wants us every one of us to have a really significant life. But how does He prepare us so … More
Exodus 2 to 4 – part 3
How does God train someone – you or me – to make a real impact for His glory? We’ve been … More
Joshua 5: `Get Circumcized Now!` – ???
Joshua: What marks God’s people if we’re moving into victory? Part 6! There are two things God commands His people … More
Joshua 5:13: God Is Not Part Of My Team??
Today’s a focused post. About a final preparation for victory at Jericho: but (I think), one of the most powerful … More
Exodus 5 to 11 – God and Pharoah
We’ve been feeding on how God trains up Moses. But mighty Pharaoh is the centre of Exodus’ next chapters: Egypt’s … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 1, leader’s notes
Always open in prayer to God who cares about what we’re doing! INTRODUCTION BY GROUP LEADER: This course is called … More
Joshua 6 to 8: How (And How Not) To Demolish Strongholds
`The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world`, says Paul; `They have divine power to demolish … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 1 handout
`Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for your hope!’ (1 … More
Exodus 12 – Passover, part 1
So now we come to – arguably – the most important event in the old testament: the only one Israel … More
Exodus 12 – Passover, part 2
Last time we fed on Exodus 12’s amazing picture of how God sets people free. Israel were enslaved; just as … More
Exodus 14 – the Red Sea
So we reach the Red Sea. We know this story well… What we may have forgotten is the surprising thing … More
Joshua 9 and 10: Joshua’s Most Puzzling Section – and Genocide??
Today’s is a puzzling section. So, three major spiritual lessons, and some suggestions about the puzzles… In chapter 10 God’s … More
Exodus 16
Exodus is one of God’s two foundational books; showing us just how God sets people free. But last time we … More
Exodus 17 – the cruciality of prayer!
Now for Exodus 17. A weird story, but one hugely helpful for our imaginations! Here God records the first battle … More
Exodus 19 – Sinai: what’s different, what isn’t
And so we reach Israel’s breathtaking encounter with God’s holiness at Sinai. One of the greatest moments in history, one … More
Tolkien/God
The Lord of the Rings is a lengthy volume (and this is an extended post)! So it may be wise to … More
The End-Times(1): What Happens Next? And Might It Happen Soon?
Jesus is coming back to earth to reign, and very possibly in the not too distant future! This is one … More
Ecology And The Bible
Sometimes the Bible is surprising! COP27 has finished, reminding us all that climate change is looking like a massive, worldwide … More
Ten Commandments 1 and 2: Keep God First!
The first two of Exodus 20’s Ten Commandments are about idolatry; why? Is God still saying anything relevant through them … More
Our Future(2): What’s This About The Rapture?
Let’s recap from our companion post about the `tribulation`. The Bible seems to say that, before Christ returns as King, … More
Ten Commandments 3: Honour God’s Name!
This time and next we’re feeding on two very practical expressions of worship. What can we learn from what God’s … More
Our Future(3): So How Does Ethnic Israel Fit In?
‘I will create Jerusalem to be a delight, and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take … More
Our Future(4): What Happens After Jesus Returns? What’s This About The Millennium?
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion … More
Ten Commandments 4: Protect Your Day For Joy!
Make absolutely sure you all have a day off each week! (Even your animals, Ex 20:10!) This is the very … More
Wondering About Heaven!
What’s heaven like? And why wonder about heaven anyway? Why? Well: because anything we’ll be doing for the next million … More
How Does A Fantasy Like Tolkien Have A Worldview?
To many readers the whole idea of describing a writer like Tolkien as a ‘Christian fantasist’ may seem highly peculiar. … More
Ten Commandments 5: You and Your Parents
Just one of the ten commandments has the promise `So that you may live long in the land`, and it’s … More
Joshua 14: Dream Big Dreams!
Today’s section of Joshua is marvellously encouraging! And it’s a great (even amusing!) picture to absorb for our longterm personal … More
Ten Commandments 6: Murder And Other Things We Do Like That
Next Exodus commandment: `You shall not murder.` Well, I imagine not many murderers are reading this. (Although Billy Graham’s wife, … More
Ten Commandments 7: Gouging Out the Roots of Adultery
Next comes sex… `You shall not commit adultery`, says God in the next of the ten commandments. How can this … More
Ten Commandments 8: Theft And Other Things We Do Like That
God’s eighth commandment: `You shall not steal.` We don’t need this one, do we? I mean, it’s obvious. `Honesty is … More
Ten Commandments 9: Why “All Liars Go To Hell” (Rev 21)…
Ninth commandment: do not lie. And it would be so great to live somewhere where people didn’t… … Somewhere where, … More
Ten Commandments 10: The Root Command? (part 1)
`Don’t covet`: God’s tenth and final commandment. A surprisingly vital one: Edith Schaeffer says it’s the root of many of … More
Ten Commandments 10: The Root Command? (part 2)
`Don’t covet`: the tenth, final commandment. As we listen to God, coveting and materialism prove unexpectedly major issues for each … More
What’s So `Refreshing` About The Old Testament Laws? (part 1)
We’ve fed on the 10 commandments. But how, if at all, do we feed ourselves on the old testament’s minor … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 1, notes afterwards
Why are we doing this? We’re doing it because God never told us `just believe`. 1 Peter 3 says `Always … More
What’s So `Refreshing` About The Old Testament Laws? (part 2)
`The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul`, sings David in Psalm 19. `Oh, how I love your … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 2, leader’s notes
Open in prayer. Who had the opportunity to share some of last week’s material with someone who’s not yet a … More
Reasons for Faith Course: session 2 handout
JESUS, TRIUMPHANT OVER DEATH…… CAN WE BELIEVE IT? What everyone agreed: Jesus died and was buried…. … More
The Old Testament Laws and Slavery
Sometimes people say: How can you see the old testament law as God-inspired when it tolerates slavery? Well, the first … More
Reasons for Faith Course: session 2, notes afterwards
? How could a good God allow so much suffering? The Bible teaches no easy answers to this question. At … More
Is Jesus Here In These Ex21 Laws?
Before we leave the `minor laws` of Exodus 21… Is Jesus here in this apparently obscure section? If so it’s … More
Exodus 24 – Now The Old Testament Starts?
Now for Exodus 24: a hugely important and helpful – if puzzling – chapter. Because, if we can grasp it, … More
Old Testament intro course: whole-course handout
[What follows is a handout you may find useful if you’re teaching something based on this Old Testament introductory course. … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 3, leader’s notes
Open in prayer. Who had the opportunity to share some of last week’s material with someone who’s not yet a … More
Exodus 25 to 40: The Amazing Tabernacle
Now whatever’s this? Most of Exodus ch25 to ch40 is about the tabernacle, and God’s exact (25:9,40,27:8) instructions how to … More
Exodus 32 – The Golden Cow (part 1)
Now for the last big story in Exodus. The golden cow: the catastrophic sin through which 3000 people died and … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 3, notes afterwards
? Isn’t the church evil? When people ask this question we have a great chance to explain the difference between … More
Exodus 32 – The Golden Cow (part 2)
We’re feeding on Exodus’ last big story – the golden cow: the disastrous sin through which 3000 people died and … More
Exodus 32 to 34: Prayer And The Glory Of God
Exodus 32: Israel comes within 30 seconds of being obliterated. Wonderfully, one man’s prayer saves the day. How? It’s astounding. … More
Joshua 20 to 23: How To Make The Blessing Last
We’ve been learning, through Joshua’s remarkable book, what marks God’s people if they’re moving into victory. And we want to … More
God Is Most Great! – Why?
Just what is it about God that is so great, so significant, so wonderful? This comes from a joint Muslim-Christian … More
Timothee Joset’s `Priesthood Of All Students`
I’m posting this critique having seen this book described as a successor to my history of IFES Day of His … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 4, leader’s notes
Open in prayer. Who had the opportunity to share some of last week’s material with someone who’s not yet a … More
Exodus 28,29,39: The High Priest – Showing Us Jesus
Every Bible book gives us something joyfully unique. Hebrews adds to everything we know about Jesus that He’s our `Great … More
Reasons For Faith Course: session 4, notes afterwards
? We’re a pluralistic society. Our world has many sincerely-held beliefs. How can there be only one true faith, how … More
Exodus 40: What Exodus Was For!
And so we come to Exodus’ end. It’s always good to watch how a Bible book closes! This is how … More
Joshua 24: Making My Own Discipleship Last
Here we are at the end of Joshua. It’s been a fantastic journey, watching what marks God’s people if they’re … More
Easter Rising: an easter poem
… But it was not a smooth crucifix, lilies at its foot and at its head a pale light. It … More
What’s So `Refreshing` About The Old Testament Laws? (part 1)
How, if at all, do we feed ourselves on the old testament’s minor laws, such as we hit in Leviticus, … More
Some Tools For Reflection At New Year…
Just thought I’d post some questions I find helpful in reflecting at new year: either on our own with God, … More
What’s So `Refreshing` About The Old Testament Laws? (part 2)
`The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul`, sings David in Psalm 19. `Oh, how I love your … More
Gideon – The Book Of Judges Speaks To Our Pain
What might be God’s path to bring us to major triumph? Gideon’s history blesses us by showing how, unexpectedly, our … More
Judges 11: Did Jephthah Really Burn His Daughter To Death?
Atheists often quote Judges 11, Jephthah and his daughter, as a case of human sacrifice that shows how utterly inhuman … More