Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
Dr Peter Mead of OM [Operation Mobilization], a Brit living near London and a dear friend, is my first guest contributer. There is a need to offer God’s love in ways that meet people both affectively and effectively—that is, in heart and in practice! I asked Peter to share something on that topic in line with …
Read More Preaching and Affective HermeneuticsI’m writing this at the beginning of December as a nudge: New Year’s day is coming and it’s a great time to launch a Bible read-through! So let me encourage you to pray and plan accordingly. Here’s my unsolicited advice: be very ambitious! A six-week reading of the entire Bible will have a dramatic impact …
Read More Reading as a New Year DelightAfter an early church service this past Sunday I drove to Hug Point. It’s an aptly named scenic section of the Oregon coast, a few miles south of Cannon Beach. I visit there at times to enjoy God’s embrace—a good time of Bible reading, praying, and taking a nap while serenaded by the thundering surf. …
Read More Standing in God’s CouncilIsaiah should be read relationally, as God’s heartfelt gift to us. His self-disclosure. His invitation. A resource from his heart meant to awaken our hearts. Three chapters are especially powerful. Read them and see for yourself: 52, 53, and 54. In chapter 52 the LORD speaks to his people in their captivity. First the slavery …
Read More Three chapters in IsaiahI was once at a weekend retreat, speaking about God’s overflowing love. “This triune love,” I said, “explains the creation as God’s selfless giving of himself in a work of joy. The creation was made to receive and reciprocate that love.” I pointed, for support, to Genesis 3 where God came “walking in the …
Read More Which starting point?Some time ago I was asked to participate in a formal dialog with some fellow teachers about the role of history and historical studies in Bible interpretation. The topic was important because I held historical context to be very important in doing effective Bible study; yet I also knew that at least one of my colleagues was very …
Read More Reflections on Hermeneutics, History, and the BibleI just received a note from Linnea, a member of Warren Community Fellowship. Here is a part of what she shared. “I also wanted to tell you that last weekend there were 17 women who went to the beach for a personal renewal retreat. You will be pleased to know that almost every woman there …
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