I read the first chapter of Malachi this morning.  This book is the last book of the Old Testament, both chronologically and prophetically, having been written some 100 years after the Jews’ return from the Exile.  Things had settled down for them back in their own land; the temple had been rebuilt, and they were back into the old routine … Read More

Artistic drawing isn’t something that I have any pretence of being good at, but I have a basic understanding of structure.  Those components that are meant to be close need to be drawn larger than those that are in the distance, even if the far object is very much bigger in reality; it all comes down to perspective.  Clearly, this … Read More

Whenever I read the story in the book of Acts concerning the apostle Paul’s arrest, imprisonment and legal hearings, I am struck by his appeal to Caesar and the mention, at the conclusion of chapter 26, that he could have been set free if he hadn’t claimed this right.  As a Roman citizen, Paul had the privilege of being able … Read More

One of my earliest preaching assignments was at the culmination of an evangelistic mission while studying at Bible College.  I selected Acts 17:23 as my text, the story of when Paul was in Athens and was brought before the Areopagus to explain his teaching about Jesus to the philosophers who met there.  Paul was very wise in how he approached … Read More

You might be wondering what I mean by balanced, so let me explain.  This morning my reading was Acts chapter nine.  This starts with the story of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, then goes on to tell us that after he stopped persecuting the Christians, the Church experienced a period of peace.  This is summarised in verse 31: … Read More

I am reading Ezekiel at the moment and was struck by an instruction, or exhortation, that is repeated in two chapters.  The expression used is: “…. nor be dismayed at their looks” (Ezekiel 2:6; 3:9 – ESV).  I needed to consider for a while what this might mean, and came to the conclusion that it is referring to intimidation.  The … Read More

When out for my early morning walk today, I realised after a while that I had spent all the time with my eyes focused on where my feet were treading.  I did look at the scenery as well, and greeted a few people, but for some time did not pay any attention to the beautiful blue sky above.  It occurred … Read More

This topic may title may seem a bit ‘heavy’, but this is something that is important to think about.  I often make two assertions about personal theology, so this BLOG post is in two parts. ### Part One My first assertion is that everyone has a theology, yes, even those who aren’t Christians.  The atheist asserts that there is no … Read More

Jean and I hardly ever holiday in the same place twice; we enjoy exploring somewhere new.  I am not sure that we should be classed as adventurers, but we are certainly ready to accept the risk that we might not enjoy our next vacation as much as the last.  I suppose that the saying ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ is applicable … Read More

This morning, I read chapter five of the gospel according to John and was struck by the story of the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15).  This is a strange incident because of what we are told about the background.  Depending upon which Bible version we read, verse four may be missing – this is the one that … Read More