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NEW BLOG: http://timgough.wordpress.com

2011-11-12T20:32:00.002Z

I've started a new blog aimed specifically at providing food for thought, and resources for youth workers and youth ministers particularly in the Christian world.Find it here http://timgough.wordpress.comThanks so much for all of you who have spent time here! However I won't be posting any longer on blogger.com. Instead check out my wordpress site. http://timgough.wordpress.com

Paul's Wilderness Experience. A theory based on Gal. 1:18

2008-10-14T21:15:00.000+01:00

It appears to me that all great men in the Bible who are chosen by God have some sort of ‘wilderness’ experience or time of testing prior to beginning ‘full-time’ ministry. Jacob was led into the wilderness to ‘wrestle with God,’ John the Baptist also, and of course Jesus, by the Spirit, was led to defeat Satan’s tempting. Paul I believe is no exception.There are many interpretations of Galatians

The Unlearning of the Will

2008-10-10T12:17:00.002+01:00

Don’t you think we spend copious (ridiculous?) amounts of time debating the nature and extent of God’s sovereign will without hardly ever mentioning the sinful mess of our own wills? It appears to me that if the mind really is fallen and sin permeates every part of our wills (Rom. 7:21-25), it’s at very least rather handy and comforting to know that there is an exhaustively sovereign God who ‘

Aggression and John 2.

2008-10-10T12:11:00.003+01:00

So I’ve been working a lot recently with my youth groups on the place of ‘aggression’ in the hearts of young men, and what the Bible may have to say about it. A passage that keeps coming up is John 2:13-16 where Jesus cleanses the Temple. (Also see Matthew 21:12-16; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:4-47).A key feature of this passage is it stands in dramatic contrast to the classic, westernised picture of

My Fav. Bubblegum Greetings Card Company Poem

2008-04-02T13:11:00.002+01:00

' When sometimes things don't go too wellYou're the butt of people's rantsBut don't get down or even frownjust smile and then shout "pants!" '

The mystery of God found in the fathomability of Creation.

2008-03-31T10:33:00.006+01:00

A popular apologetic idea is that creation is not-fathomable, but mysterious. Thus there must be a God. - The easy response to this is 'we'll figure it out' thus God-of-the-gaps philosophy comes in, academia fills in the gaps and squeezes God out of the picture. Needless to say its not a very good apologetic to start with. The apologetic should run, creation is fathomable, thus God is not,

Eugene Peterson on the Nature of Language + Creation (Forming)

2008-03-29T23:19:00.004Z

This is a quick quote from the intro to Ch.3 of 'Eat this book' (found HERE) by Eugene Peterson, the Author of The Message. The quote happens to happily agree with my last post. :)"It is the very nature of language to form rather than inform. When language is personal, which it is at best, it reveals; and revelation is always formative - we don't know more, we become more. Our best users of

Language In Its Purity: Creational/Communicative?

2008-03-27T23:24:00.005Z

As a believer in Sola Scriptura, I love Words, the Word of God is indeed infallible and the final uncompromising revelation of God. However as a musician and a poet I believe Words are not black and white, in fact as a note can sing a thousand songs, a word can progressively colour and create God's true revelation.Sometimes it seems, Reformed writers talk about the Sola Scriptura as the '

The Pentatonic Scale and Godly Communication

2008-03-27T14:38:00.003Z

Godly communication; that is communication to and from God, not communication about God, can be perhaps likened much more readily with music than with words, the latter in submission to the former.The pentatonic scale is the mother of all blues and rock and roll, it is the Guitar-Soloists dream, and the Celtics heartbeat. In its most basic form a pentatonic is a scale with five pitches per octave

Preliminary reflections on the Psalms.

2007-08-05T22:37:00.001+01:00

Everytime I sit down at my blog I feel a twinge to write something about my view of the psalms... frustratingly however I still feel hugely unprepared to do so. The emotional spectrum paletted throughout the grace+spirit-meeting-humanity+dependency sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches of the psalter is universally unique. So unique in fact that it not only gives us an inspired song book,

Teenagers on the edge of the Kingdom

2007-08-05T21:15:00.000+01:00

'Can I buy a fag off yer?'I shrug, and exhale slowly with my mouth closed, as if I wanted nothing better than to sell this young man a cigarette.'Sorry mate I don't smoke.'He turns away, I walk on around the corner and past the familiar old house which I recently discovered was where my mother grew up. Coming back around the house I see another 13 or 14 year old boy, on a bike, a Liverpool shirt

Reflections on the absence of borrowed words as thought stimuli. The Glory of God's Spirit-Fuelled mind.

2007-08-05T17:47:00.001+01:00

I find myself in an odd place of present; for the first time in some years I have no access to my books. After graduating from seminary, my books were packed and remain packed as I'm now awaiting another move to London to start a new job. I find the absence of littered bookshelves, and smoulden-used books daunting and slightly intimidating. The places in which I found solitude, wisdom, and

Summary of 1 Corinthians 14

2007-05-27T22:42:00.000+01:00

Paul now moves to the specifics of the discussion began in Ch.12 regarding tongues in worship. Ch.14 builds on two contrasts; practically between prophecy and tongues and spiritually between their individual and corporate devotions. vv.1-25 focus on the issue of intelligibility and vv.26-40 the regulation of orderly worship.vv.1-5 Paul highlights the central themes of the section; tongues which

Pauline Theology is Primarily -Theological- not Primarily -Christological-

2007-05-03T17:02:00.000+01:00

Nearly all modern mainstream scholarship has claimed Paul to be primarily Christological above all else; which, although in some regards is true and vitally important its missed something quite substantial: Paul is not primarily Christological...he is primarily theological! Paul's focus is not Christ at the expense of the Trinity, but Christ to the extent that he operates in and expounds the

Jephthah’s Tragic Vow (Based on Judges 11:29-40)

2007-03-15T09:06:00.000Z

Oh LORD, little did I know when I made my vow, the tragedy that would befall my heart. Little did I know when I exclaimed in my piety that death would be the reward, death from my family. My heart burns, my mind has turned, anguish grips me like a mother her new born babe; like a sparrow the meat it craves. As a babe is plucked from the breast, and a sparrow taken from its rest, so now, my child,

Some Final Remarks about God Fearers

2007-03-14T21:45:00.000Z

God-fearers covers a spectrum of Jewish-sympathizers who were attracted to Judaism, mainly for it’s morality and monotheism but were not willing to become a proselyte, who would be circumcised, would attend Jewish feasts, would have made a public statement of faith and for all intents and purposes were considered in the covenant. God-fearer faith is more of a pick-and-choose faith in that it is

Extra-Biblical Evidence for God Fearers

2007-03-14T21:41:00.000Z

‘Its important to remember that archaeology by its very nature is not able to produce a complete picture of cultural and religious life…Only the combination of the information received from the different sources, and the careful cross-checking of them, can produce reliable results’(Levinskaya, p.58). Inscriptions have been found around the Diaspora, which include the word θεοσεβης, many of these

God Fearers in Acts.

2007-03-14T21:29:00.000Z

Within Acts we see the most explicit reference to God-fearers (Acts 10; 13:16; 13:26; 13:43; 13:50; 16:14; 17:4; 17:17; 18:6-7). Some say this is Luke writing as a theologian who needed God-fearers for his narrative. I believe the reason we have the most references to God-fearers within Acts is because it gives us historical details not necessary in the rest of the New-Testament narratives.God

New Testament Evidence for God Fearers outside of Acts

2007-03-14T21:24:00.000Z

My hypothesis begins with this conviction; that not only can we speak legitimately of the first century AD people known sometimes as ‘God-fearers’ but also that their role was invaluable, to the success or failure in the spread of the gospel as recorded in the book of Acts.For the purpose of analysing the evidence, we can, for now be satisfied with the definition of God-fearers being members of

>>>God Fearers<<<

2007-03-14T21:08:00.000Z

If you haven't already heard me rant at length about modern scholarships underestimating/botching the first centaury AD people known as God-fearers then these next posts are for you! Namely, if you see me begin to talk about it you can simply say 'I've read your blog' and I'll shut up. All this began with some research for a New Testament essay in my second year at Theological College, and has

Some random exegetical thoughts from Gal. 2:15-21

2007-03-14T21:05:00.001Z

V15, Paul using ‘we’ refers to birthright Jews, including Peter. He places a distinction between Jews and Gentiles who are ‘sinners’ because they didn’t have the Jewish law to ‘earn’ their righteousness as the Jews had. However the Law’s no–longer a legal claim for Jews, as all can be made righteous in Christ alone. It’s seen here that God takes Jewish sinfulness just as seriously as gentile

Some Possible Psalm Christology

2007-03-14T21:01:00.001Z

How are the Psalms fulfilled in Christ?Directive predictive prophecy – or indirect typological prefiguring- Psalms cannot be fully applied/fulfilled/interpreted without Christ- Could be for an Israelic King, yet a foreshadowing of ChristForward looking prophecy – or – backward looking analogy/application- Could have fulfilment and application for Israelic King, yet unfulfilled potential for

A Simple Narrative Structure of 1 and 2 Chronicles

2007-03-14T20:49:00.001Z

• 1Chron.1-9:34 – Collection of genealogies from Adam to returned exiles.• 1Chron.9:35-29 – The reign of King David.• 2Chron..1-9 – The reign of King Solomon.• 2Chron.10-36 – Destruction of Northern Kingdom and restoration under Cyrus.

The Purpose of 1 and 2 Chronicles

2007-03-14T20:46:00.000Z

The dominant purpose and message of Chronicles, I believe, is to typologically present a template for the people of Yahweh, particularly in terms of their lives, worship, and monarchy. Note, I don’t believe it’s primarily eschatological or messianic, but is shows an idealistic template for God’s people against non-working models, this however gives messianic expectations. This is shown

Some thoughts arround eschatology and ministy

2007-03-14T20:37:00.000Z

ReturnJesus Christ is coming back! This is a promise of God foreordained, he will come on the clouds of heaven and every eye will see him, he will make all things new. He will be the instigator of the New Heavens and the New Earth. This is a fantastic promise, and because of the assurance of the hope to which we are called we should be faithfully anticipating this day with great joy and certainty

A couple of paragraphs from my longer book review of John Frame's 'The Doctrine of the Knowlegde of God.' (DKG)

2007-03-14T20:26:00.000Z

Frame’s key theological and philosophical endeavour is to accentuate the Lordship of God, and in doing so, underline his universal knowability and emphasize the appropriate response to Him. He does this in three parts; the ‘Objects of Knowledge,’ focusing particularly on who God has revealed Himself to be in relation to us and the basis of our response. The ‘Justification of Knowledge,’ which

Tim's Argument Summary of K. Popper 'The Open Society and its Enemies.'

2007-03-14T20:16:00.000Z

Every wanted to read this two volume beast of a book? No? Well you should! You haven't got time? Well here is my 1 paragraph per chapter summary of the book. Enjoy.1. Historicism + the Myth of Destiny. Historicism – Racialism + Marxism2. Hesiod + HERACLITUS – comes us with the problem of change3. Theory of Forms/Ideas. 1. Central to his theory of Knowledge which depends on gaining access to the “

Summary of John 17

2007-03-10T19:29:00.001Z

Chapter 17 summarizes the farewell discourse’s relational progressions and themes. However, instead of directly communicating these themes to the disciples, he is praying to His Father, to whom He is returning. This is emotionally very tangible.vv.1-5 expresses the mutual glorification of the Father and the Son in a context of gladness for the finished work, and heartfelt-anticipation for the

Summary of John 16

2007-03-10T19:28:00.000Z

Throughout the farewell discourse, the Trinity, and the follower’s participation within this, has been relationally expounded. Jesus is central in Ch.13, the Father in Ch.14 , the disciples in Ch.15, and the counsellor in Ch.16. All four pieces importantly function throughout this moving preparation and goodbye.vv.1-11 comfort and assure the disciples through the advocating Spirit, one who

Summary of John 15

2007-03-10T19:26:00.000Z

Followers know Father through believing in Jesus. This requires a two-fold explanation; how do Jesus and His Father relate, and how do/should Jesus’ followers participate in this relationship? The latter is the focus of Ch.15, the second stage in this affection-full farewell discourse.vv.1-8 function metaphorically; Jesus is the vine, and his followers must be attached to him while submitting

Summary of John 14

2007-03-10T19:24:00.000Z

Chapter 14, the beginning of the farewell discourse. It’s likely that the Chapter divisions are misplaced so Ch. 14 should begin at 13:31, which not only takes a change of pace with the sending out of Judas but begins the emotional intensity dominating the farewell discourse. This emotion is important in Ch. 14, Jesus, with the occasional affection-full interruption is giving explanation,

Translation of Rom. 9:22-23

2007-03-10T19:19:00.000Z

>>> This was my final translation after much sweat and tears. I'm still not entirely convinced of the participle being causal, but its alternative so dramatically alters the immediate context its hard to see how it couldn't be. <<<2.3.1 Translation"But if God, wishing to demonstrate (his) wrath[A] and to make known his power[B] endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath having been fitted

A Quick Note on Dissertation Posts

2007-03-10T19:16:00.000Z

>>> If any of the posts from my dissertation are of interest to anyone let me know and I'll send a section with the correct editing and footnotes missing from these 'copy-and-paste' posts. <<

Summary of God's Creative-Purpose

2007-03-10T19:15:00.000Z

>>> From section 3 of my undergrad dissertation. <<<3.1.1 God’s PurposeThe purpose of creation is to magnify the riches of God’s glory. If God does not seek His own glory then it follows that He must seek something created. Creation does not enjoy the perfections of God, and so God would be committing Himself to something other than the greatest good. This would be bizarre because God tells us

God's Sovereignty and Open Theism

2007-03-10T19:06:00.000Z

>>> This is yet another paste from section 4 of my undergrad dissertation. However this section is one of my key arguments against Open Theism. Namely, if God creates primarily for His glory he must be exhaustively sovereign, if he did not create for this purpose then he is guilty of idolatry. <<<4.2 God’s Purpose and SovereigntyIf you deny the creative-purpose that God creates to magnify His

Rom. 9:22-23 and Open Theism (again).

2007-03-10T19:04:00.000Z

>>>This is another copy and paste from section four("Against Open Theism") from my undergrad dissertation.<<<4.1 Rom.9:22-23No key Open Theist work expounds their theology in light of Rom.9:22-23 which is a serious defect. God’s purposes to reveal His glory in vv.22-23 require showing wrath and mercy as the result of ‘God’s determinate choice.’ An Open Theist systematic would have to give this

'Wrath' throughout the Bible

2007-03-10T18:49:00.000Z

>>>Again, this is simply copy and paste from my undergrad dissertation. This section served as an overview for biblical uses of the words most often translated 'wrath' (Hebrew words; ‘af, ‘ebrah, haron, quesef, hemah, and Greek words; orge, themos). Conclusions were drawn from this data, systematic evidence, and a detailed exegesis of Rom. 9. ... You may notice by reading it that this section was

God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility

2007-03-01T13:15:00.000Z

This is simply a copy and paste of the Appendix to my undergrad dissertation which has recently been marked. I hope it clarifies some remarks made in posts over the last year around this topic.APPENDIXGod’s sovereignty and Man’s responsibility.Dynamic divine dualism appears throughout scripture; namely (and seemingly paradoxically) God is totally sovereign, and man is totally responsible. This

The 'Filling of the Spirit' in the Old Testament (S1.2)

2007-03-01T13:02:00.000Z

The Filling of the Spirit in the Old TestamentThis post is to present some OT evidence for the theory presented in S1.1 below, namely, being filled with the spirit gives special empowering of an individual or a Church for a particular ministry. To clarify the disctinctions between being 'filled' at conversion and subsequent 'fillings' (what I'm talking about here from the OT), see S1.1.Exodus 31

'Being Filled With the Spirit.' (S1.1)

2007-02-10T19:53:00.000Z

‘Being Filled With the Spirit’I’ve recently met more cessationalist views of the work of the Holy Spirit as presented in the charismata in the New Testament. They have often run along the lines of: ‘charismatic theology, however ‘reformed,’ is unbiblical, inconsistent with revelation, and ecclesiastically dangerous.’ I attempt in these next few posts to present a very brief and humble biblical

Communal Singing in Tongues: A biblical practice?

2006-12-27T01:07:00.000Z

Recently I went with my youth group to a conference for worship musicians at a thriving and famous church in central London. Much of the conference I found enormously refreshing, very beautiful, passionate, Spirit-open, and reflective of God's heart. However there was one area in which I had difficulty...enough to take my youth group to one side and have a chat with them over, the difficulty was

Open Theism and Romans 9 (1)

2006-12-27T00:39:00.000Z

Romans 9 for me is becoming increasingly important. I have spent some serious time these last 6-10 months trying to get to the bottom of it working with all the dominant interpretations. I feel stronger about my beliefs on elective grace, even though I think Calvin himself botches Rom.9 by going overboard on that; and I feel stronger against classic Arminian arguments as they seem to undermine

Practical Christian Thoughts on Good Sleep

2006-12-26T23:35:00.000Z

This is a pilot of a post to come which will (God willing) be a lot more clear and in depth. As an ex-insomniac I have spent a lot of time reading theories and studies of getting a good nights sleep, in fact during my a level psychology I took some extra-credit work looking at sleep patterns. As a theology student, I find a restful sleep vital to reduce stress and increase motivation and

Acts 10-11 and the Baptist debate (with particular emphasis on how 'all' is applied)

2006-12-08T11:25:00.000Z

I recently posted some brief thoughts on household texts in the New Testament as they are used in the Baptism debate. I think it fair of me to bring out a little further my exegetical thoughts around the texts and will endeavour to do so in following posts beginning here with Acts 10 and 11. *Luke, (as a paedobaptist might point out) seems to continually

Piper on N.T. Wright

2006-12-04T12:15:00.000Z

'Jesus and Justification: Two Topics and Two Books WrittenWhich brings me to the labor side of the sabbatical. I was able to finish writing the main body of two books. One is called What Jesus Demands from the World, which will be published by Crossway Books in late September (Lord willing). It is a 365-page book on the commands of Jesus, in an attempt to obey Matthew 28:19, “Teach them to

Household Baptisms in the New Testament

2006-11-24T14:37:00.000Z

In support of an 'infant Baptist' position, texts such as Acts 10; 16:15, 33; and 1 Cor. 1:16 are appealed to. The argument basically runs like this:- A head of a household professes faith,- The whole household is therefore Baptised,- Households normally contain infants,- It is likely that these particular baptised households contain infants,- Therefore non-professing infants in these households

Angels.

2006-11-23T16:07:00.000Z

Why don't we think much about Angels in our evangelical world? This is something I really want to spend some time with. They appear all through the Bible and reveal some of the most interesting Biblical Theology! I generally take there presence as continued, available, and very important to the life of the Christian, particularly to learn from in how to serve and worship God, and to amend context

The Unique and Joy-filled time in Salvation History that we are in!

2006-11-23T15:50:00.000Z

So I have been very busy these past few weeks preparing a piece on John chapter 13 for class, and have spent some wonderful time in the farewell discourse following this (Chs. 14-17).After spending sometime in John 16 (with wise direction of Dr. Andrew Sach), I have come to focus on the joy in being a Christian at this particular stage in Salvation History.Jesus Christ has indeed died, and rose

Salvation in Romans 9 - The Importance of vv. 1-5

2006-10-19T12:20:00.000+01:00

One of my most contested opionions throughout this blog, contested by emails and replies to posts, is my hypothesis allows Romans 9 to talk about Salvation. I have many reasons for this, some you will find if you take the time to scroll down previous posts; however one which I haven't yet bought out as fully as I possibly could is the importance of vv. 1-5. So here is where I do that.vv. 1-5 is

The Purpose of Romans 9, 'Has God's word failed?'

2006-10-11T19:56:00.000+01:00

Just to make a point a wee bit clearer that I made in passing in a previous post. The key to understanding Romans 9 is the following question:'Who is Israel?'Let me bring this out a little bit...The issue presenting Paul is this: - God made a covenant to his people Israel, yet many ethnic Jews are not believing in Jesus Christ, the Jewish messiah...are they saved? ...are they in the new covenant

Bookchairs are taking over my life!!!

2006-10-06T09:45:00.000+01:00

get yours from... www.bookchair.com.You may notice that these little gizmos are the most expensive bits of wood and cotton you'll ever buy outside of the Queens private doily collection. But what’s worse, because of their design, you actually have to have several of them, as I'm sure the clever design and marketing people at bookchair.com figured. You see, if you have a reasonably crowded desk

Another look at Gen. 50:20

2006-10-05T15:53:00.000+01:00

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many [or numerous] people should be kept alive, as they are today. [Gen. 50:20]A familiar and very beautiful verse, how comforting it is to know that God works all things for good. But note, this verse isn’t simply saying that God brings good out of evil situations, and it isn’t saying that God turns around

A Possible Simple Structure of Rom. 9

2006-10-03T11:26:00.000+01:00

(Note, this is an exceptionally simplified structure of Romans 9, and its contextual place within Romans...there is obviously much more to it than this, but such a structure allows us a sound stream through Romans, with this chapter being part of the flow, rather than anomaly or a hindrance.)All of Romans 9 seems to be a single question ‘who now is Israel’ with the single answer ‘those who God

Possible Election Language in Rom. 9

2006-10-03T11:05:00.000+01:00

I use the term election here to mean a decision of God held/instigated primarily in the council of God as seemingly un-swervable by the works or actions of humans. - I am surer about some of these than others. The big question however, is who is elected, individuals or collective groups, and what are they elected to, privilege or salvation. (More later). 'before the twins were born or had done

5 Minute Readings for your Edification

2006-10-03T09:36:00.000+01:00

Wondering what to do in your coffee break? Got five minutes to spare before you nip off to work/school etc? Need to break up pieces of work? Feeling low and need some Father-centred encouragment? The following are roughly 5 minute readings which I have found particulary helpful and encouraging. They are things which make me step out of myself/my situation for a moment and realise again my

Overcoming Lukewarmness - in Reference to Rev. 3:14-22

2006-10-02T10:57:00.000+01:00

Being lukewarm is being content with how much –Christ- you have in you!Being lukewarm stems from ignorance,- Ignorance of the human condition, the state of the human heart which is wretched, and pitiful, and poor, and blind, and naked- And ignorance of the extent of the riches and blessings of knowing God through our Lord and our Saviour, the Amen, Jesus Christ, the blessings of gold, and white

Open Theism preliminaries

2006-10-01T20:22:00.000+01:00

For part of my dissertation, I shall be looking at and refuting open theism. Although open theists may have no such intention, I find this view of historical Christianity and contention with the classically understood biblical God harmful for the individual Christian, dangerous for the contemporary church, and an offense to the name of our bountiful God. It is a view of God which causes tears,

Hot and Cold in Revelation 3:14-22, The Letter to the Church in Laodicea

2006-10-01T15:36:00.000+01:00

Not because you are hot of cold but because you are lukewarm will I spit you out of your mouth.The purpose of this post is 1. (to get away from Romans for a wee bit) and 2. to counter a classic approach to these two words 'hot' and 'cold.'The classic approach, like I have seen preached, and I'm sure many of you may have seen preached, is it is worse to be middle-of-the-road complacent in your

Prayer Request

2006-10-01T14:20:00.000+01:00

So for those who haven't guessed – there is a large section of my dissertation based on Romans chapter 9 and verses 22 and 23. I'm discovering that not only is Romans 9 very complicated, but it’s also one of Paul’s heaviest bits of writing affectionately.Once we step into Paul and his 'great sorrow', his 'unceasing anguish' and his longing to be 'cut off from Christ' for the sake of his people

Jews and Gentiles as respective vessels in Rom. 9:22-23?

2006-10-01T08:36:00.000+01:00

It’s an old counter-Calvinism view that the vessels spoken of in Romans 9:22-23 refer to two collective groups of people, namely; the Jewish nation and the Gentiles. This works as follows:Vessels of Wrath = Jews (under the old covenant)Vessels of Mercy = Gentiles (grafted into the new covenant)Paul is not therefore talking about the eternal destinies of these two peoples obviously, as Paul

Helpful Romans Commentaries

2006-09-26T13:15:00.000+01:00

J. Stott, The Message of Romans (IVP) - Concise and informative, very helpful on purpose and structure, great introductory commentary with that little bit more meat.F. F. Bruce, Romans (Tyndale, No. 6) - Don't do it. He has some helpful things to say, but often ignores whole verses or misses key systematic issues. Much more helpful on introductory issues. Not one of his best.M. Luther, Romans (

More thoughts on translating -theon- in v. 22 (see earlier post)

2006-09-22T12:22:00.000+01:00

Do note that this is neither an exhaustive list of translations or interpretations ... far from it. Just a couple that at the moment I feel most plausible. I will expand in later blogs on supporting context and verses for some of the interpretations.Possible Translations:(Causal)What if God, although he desired to show his wrath and make known his power, endured with much patience, vessels of

Part 3 of Cranfield looking at 'mercy' in his intro to Rom. 9

2006-09-20T22:27:00.000+01:00

"(iii) It is only where the Church persists in refusing to learn this message, where it secretly - perhaps quite unconsciously! - believes that its own existance is based on human achievement, and so it fails to understand God's mercy to itself, that it is unable to believe in God's mercy for still unbelieving Israel, and so entertains the ugly and unscriptual notion that God has cast off His

Who is the one who prepares the vessels of wrath for destruction in Rom. 9:22

2006-09-19T12:10:00.000+01:00

Who is the agent of the 'preparation' of the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?The participle 'prepared' is difficult. It is not as easy in Greek as in English translations to simply parallel the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction with v. 23, the vessels of mercy prepared for glory. This is because the participle in v. 23 is an active participle, much more obviously being

D. Moo's paraphrase of Rom. 9:22-23

2006-09-19T11:30:00.000+01:00

“What objection can you make if it is in fact the case that God has tolerated with great patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction when you realize that his purpose in doing so has been to demonstrate his wrath, make known his power, and – especially – to make known the riches of his glory to vessels of mercy, prepared beforehand for glory.”

Translating the participle -thelōn- in Rom. 9:22-23

2006-09-19T10:49:00.000+01:00

Rom. 9:22-23'What if God, wanting to show his wrath and make known his power, bore with much longsuffering vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,in order to make known the riches of his glory to vessels of mercy, prepared beforehand for glory.'One of the most difficult translation issues is this passage is, what do we do with the participle, thelōn? (wanting/wishing/willing) There seems to be

Jim Packer on forgotten biblical truths.

2006-09-08T12:30:00.000+01:00

Some thoughts from Jim Packer on forgotten/unpracticed biblical truths.'1. The recovering of old truth, truth which has been a means of blessing in the past, can under God become the means of blessing again in the present, while the quest for newer alternatives may well prove barren;2. No one should be daunted from attempting such recovery by any prejudice, ill will, or unsympathetic attitudes

Thoughts on the mysterium tremendum et fascinans

2006-09-08T10:37:00.000+01:00

Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans was a phrase coined by R. Otto to refer to something one finds to be absolutely frightening yet awe-inspiring at the same time, something one feels helplessly drawn to yet wants to violently flee from in the same instant. Broken down is basically this:mysterium - the 'wholly other' (Otto) that which is totally transcendent and apart, although is open to some

Some thoughts around William James and his views on mystical/religious experience

2006-09-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

A couple of years ago I spent some time playing around the thoughts and ideas of William James as they present themselves in 'The Varieties of Religious Experience,' (As you do). This is a basic summary of his thesis followed by some of the thoughts that came to mind.Religious experiences contain usually four distinguishable traits, namely, passivity, ineffability, noetic quality, and transience

Extract from Charles Williams, The Forgiveness of Sins

2006-09-07T16:25:00.000+01:00

' It is, from our present point of view, not yet at all certain what the word [forgiveness] means. All that we take for granted is that the Trinity had determined the Incarnation of the Word, that They has deterined and caused the creation of superfluous mankind with a purpose of entire joy, that mankind had set itself in such a relation to Them and especially to the flesh of the Word that it was

Tuning Up

2006-09-07T16:12:00.000+01:00

For my 20th Birthday, my wonderful Lady lent me long term a beautiful handbound book, -Leaves of Gold-, which is a wonderful collection of prayers and thoughtful insights on the Godly life by varrious famous writers. While flicking carefully through some of the places she had highlighted for me thoughout the book I cam accross this delightful little admonishment:' Tuning up - Every morning

piper quote

2006-09-07T16:00:00.000+01:00

"Raking is easy, but all you get is leaves. Diggin is hard, but you might find gold."[J. Piper]

Tims helpful book list type thing

2006-09-07T15:25:00.000+01:00

15 books I have found particularly spiritually helpful these past two years in no particular order1. The Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards2. Desiring God,Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, John Piper3. The Pleasures of God, John Piper4. The Westiminster Sermons, Vol. 1, W. E. Sangster5. The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A' Kempis6. The Incomparable Christ, J. Stott7. The Reformed Paster, R.

Don't Kill the LORD's Anointed. (Revised)

2006-09-07T15:02:00.000+01:00

There are two scenarios in 1 Samuel 24 and 26 where it seems Saul has been given into David’s hands, yet David has chosen to spare Saul’s life.We note particularly three groups of people; David, David’s men, and Saul.> Saul is officially God’s anointed, and we see him verbally confess his sin and ‘repent’ at the close of both chapters, and yet we also see him continuing in his sin in

Book Recommendation - Sam Storms, Convergence

2006-08-24T18:54:00.000+01:00

This is not a review so much as a recomendation. A personal conflict that has been within me for a while is how do I connect the larger pieces of my theology for consistant ministry, particulary my reformed doctrine and my charasmatic convictions. I.e. how does presestination based soteriology fit with practical exercise of the gifts of prophecy, healing, and tounges? Sam Storms has

Green Tea

2006-08-24T18:22:00.000+01:00

The Lord has given us so many natural beauties to settle us in peace, and rest us in tranquillity in godly and joyous ways. He gave us calm oceans, he gave us snow-topped Alps, he gave us the horizon, and he gave us green tea.A friend introduced such a drink to me only two years ago. Unfortunately, it was not a product of a 1000 years Chinese crafted art, but instead a product of 39p ASDA

Intresting Thoughts from D. Field on Global Warming

2006-08-24T18:20:00.000+01:00

http://davidpfield.blogspot.com/2006/08/global-warming-scepticism.html- thanx David, v-helpful food-for-thought .

Emotive Singing+Music in Worship

2006-08-01T13:26:00.000+01:00

Is it not a beautiful thing when our emotions are stirred and affections awakened by the wonderful things in God's character, His divine plan, and His free and unconditional Gospel? Why then, as evangelicals do we often feel anxious when either these affections awaken them in us or show themselves in others during music in worship? Surely the act of telling God in such a creative way is

Untitled3

2006-07-23T20:44:00.000+01:00

Life, truth, meaning, feelingI’m not sure the way, but I know all truth is God’s truthThe constructions in my heart seem made from so many fragile piecesThesisIdeas not fully realized, truths not completely idealizedI know there’s a way, a time a placeBut my bridge won’t take my own weightIt strains and creaksGasps for the very air that I need to breatheIt’s mine to breathe; yet I can’t seem to

Extract from Thomas A' Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Chapter 3, XXVIII

2006-05-26T21:58:00.002+01:00

'True peace and true glory can only be found in me, and the secret of great peace is to have no desire to please men, and no fear of displeasing them either. It is your undisciplined affections and your foolish fears that make your senses restless and destroy the peace of your heart.'

This Time

2006-05-26T11:19:00.000+01:00

Lost within a time warp,Going south, yet looking northward,You've given me directionsYet I’ve kept myself at the front of my mindWhere it rains all the time,It's cold, and I cannot see the distanceWhere you told me there’s hope.Lost in metafusion, where the now meets the then,Where I judge myself from experience,Where the papers, met the pen,’I couldn't do it then, so I can't do it now’

Coffee

2006-05-26T11:17:00.000+01:00

My coffee tastes so good right nowIt feels like the world is smiling for meThrough me.My heart is brimming within my throatPounding, urging against my very soul.Music sounds so true todayEvery word rings a new themeA genre designed just for me in this momentGod has touched my very being with his eternal breathing handHe has smiled an inconceivable smileHe has locked me inside his goodnessI’m lost

Timeless breathing (n.b. needs editing)

2006-05-26T11:15:00.000+01:00

Timeless Breathing, the return of the lamb.Timeless breathing, all I’m seeingLonging for that moment believing,Grace appealing, pleading, bleedingKnowing that I’m needing, feeling.Today, tomorrow, the mercy seenIs but a depth, in a breadth, a length,Time is falling, days are dawningKnowing that I’m needing, calling.The lamb returning, and I am longingTo see the eyes of fire freeing,The throne is

Helpful verses on seeking satisfaction in Christ, not our flesh.

2006-03-13T20:58:00.000Z

To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the spirit is life and peace. [Romans 8:6]Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life. [Galatians 6:7-8]But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make

Untitled2-needs editing

2006-03-13T20:38:00.000Z

For mercy carves a thousand promisesAnd grace secures it new each dayThis peace that passeth all my knowledgeDirects my thoughts in Christ to stay.I sleweth my sin by the strength of the spiritI exhaled my death throug the lungs of GodThat wrath that tears within my soulHas been torn from me in Christ my Lord.Through his death, now I liveThrough his life, my sin convicts,Now he's rose, I'll stand

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2006-03-13T20:19:00.001Z

Im crushed in my spiritwaiting for youI long for the nightWithout the ado.The world swirls aroundThe haze of colored chaosThe grays, the blacks, the brownsSpinning through to slay us.Oh God I'm naked I'm blindI'm lost in this hazeI'm out of my mind.Death crawls to us allHow did we liveIn sin and hateOr weakness to forgive?Oh Christ save my soulTake me from this placeCome down on your throneLet me

Letter from John Piper to his wife Noel on adopting a daughter.

2006-03-13T20:12:00.000Z

As a big believer in adoption of Children as our heavenly Father as adopted us, I found this letter heart-warming and affirming on so many levels. A wonderful jem of fuitful biblical love in marriage and responsible Christ-mirroring grace by adopting. Enjoy.Dear Noël,With confidence in the all-sufficient future grace of God, I am ready and eager to move ahead with the adoption of Talitha Ruth. I

Extracts from John Bunyan's 'Grace Abounding'

2006-03-13T20:08:00.000Z

1. Of all the temptations that ever I met with in my life, to question the being of God, and the truth of His gospel, is the worst, and the worst to be borne; when this temptation comes, it takes away my girdle from me, and removeth the foundations from under me. Oh, I have often thought of that word, 'Have your loins girt about with truth'; and of that, 'When the foundations are destroyed, what

Extracts from John Piper on Open Theism

2006-03-13T20:05:00.000Z

Open theism may help conceal deep idolatry in the soul. One of the great needs of our souls is to know if we treasure anything on earth more than we treasure Christ. Treasuring anyone or anything more than Christ is idolatry. Paul said in Colossians 3:5, "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you . . . covetousness, which is idolatry." If covetousness is idolatry, then desiring earthly things

A Meditation on Psalm 36

2005-11-11T09:11:00.000Z

n.b. Translation form the English Standard Version of the BiblePsalm 36TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF DAVID, THE SERVANTOF THE LORD.1. Transgression speaks to the wickeddeep in his heart;There is no fear of Godbefore his eyes.2. For he flatters himself in his own eyesthat his iniquity cannot be found outand hated.3. The words of his mouth are trouble anddeceit;he has ceased to act wisely and dodo good.4.