Categories
Observations

Coincidence? I Think Not

Have you noticed the parallels between the Emmaus Road narrative in Luke 24 and the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8? Neither had I till someone pointed them out to me.

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Bible Translation

Holy Books: The Bible

A range of different people from a vicar to a translator describe how the Bible was put together and why it means so much to Christians.

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Bible & Mission

Kingdom Mission

Anyone who calls what they are doing “kingdom work” but who does not present Jesus to others or summon others to surrender themselves to King Jesus as Lord and Savior is simply not doing kingdom mission or kingdom work. They are probably doing good work and doing social justice, but until Jesus is made known, it is not kingdom mission.

Categories
Observations

Proper Job

Job is not a theoretical exercise in theodicy. It is about real life. It does not give a simple answer, because there are no simple answers. However, it does point to the importance of a transformative encounter with Yahweh.

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Do Not Use

Bible and Mission Links 28

This round up of stuff about the Bible and Mission contains some things that are controversial, some that are interesting and heartwarming, a couple that are robust and challenging, some that are a bit geeky and a cartoon about cheese.

Categories
Observations

Jesus Did Not Write a Book

Jesus does not write a book to transmit the good news to succeeding generations. Instead, he chooses, prepares and commissions a community to make the goal of universal history known.

Categories
Observations

The Bible: Tribes and Instructions

Three blog posts on the Bible that you may well want to read. Who reads what? How should you read it? and What on Earth?!

Categories
Observations

Canon Fodder

The way in which God pulled the Bible together is altogether remarkable. He could have written the words himself, or he could have given us a definitive list of what to include and what not to include. Instead, the relational God embarked on a process that took over a thousand years, to work with people. He inspired some to write down their understanding and experiences of his actions and he helped others to draw together these writings into the collected whole we have as the Bible today. The Bible itself is one of the most amazing demonstrations of God’s desire to draw people into relationship with him.

Categories
Observations

Books I have Read: The Sea Walker

If you enjoy good fiction, you will enjoy The Sea Walker: A Bible Mystery Story by Cedric Longville. This is an enjoyable story set at the point where Constantine had ordered the first mass production of Christian Scriptures. The plot is obviously speculative, but it is none the worse for that and some of the insights into people and theological issues are fascinating. Unfortunately, it is only available on Kindle, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a print publisher picked up on it soon.

Categories
Observations

Why On Earth A Book?

I tend to carry my bible around as an app on my phone; it’s there (in numerous languages and versions) whenever I want it. But I know full well, that in a few years time, technology will have moved on an my app will be useless. Meanwhile, the battered paper Bible which sits on my desk and fits perfectly in my hand when I’m preaching, will still be there.