Articles

This is a series of Bible studies designed for those for whom English is a second language, yet have a reasonable grasp of English.

This is a series of Bible studies designed for those for whom English is a second language, yet have a reasonable grasp of English.

I am currently lecturing at the Presbyterian Theological Centre in 1 & 2 Samuel. This involves the exegesis of set passages, plus a consideration of key theological themes in the Former Prophets. These notes belong to the latter area.

Exegetical notes.

Exegetical notes.

I am currently lecturing at the Presbyterian Theological Centre in 1 & 2 Samuel. This involves the exegesis of set passages, plus a consideration of key theological themes in the Former Prophets. These notes belong to the latter area.

Exegetical notes on 1 Samuel 3.

Exegetical notes which concern the sacrilegious behaviour of Eli’s sons and Eli’s own complicity, plus the inevitability of priestly substitution.

I am currently lecturing at the Presbyterian Theological Centre in 1 & 2 Samuel. This involves the exegesis of set passages, plus a consideration of key theological themes in the Former Prophets. These notes belong to the latter area.

Introductory notes on the books of Samuel.

This is a series of Bible studies designed for those for whom English is a second language, yet have a reasonable grasp of English.

This is a listing of possible applications one might make after completing a Bible study. This resource recognises, however, that God is more concerned about being than doing.

This is a series of Bible studies designed for those for whom English is a second language, yet have a reasonable grasp of English.

This is a series of Bible studies designed for those for whom English is a second language, yet have a reasonable grasp of English.

This is a series of Bible studies designed for those for whom English is a second language, yet have a reasonable grasp of English.

All approaches must be shunned with view Muslims as the enemy. Positive strategies are set out along with some basic assumptions that must undergird any approach.

David has enemies who are like predatory beasts “going for the jugular.” David himself, seeking God’s saving intervention, also “goes for the jugular”, as he places his confidence in God’s name, might and faithfulness.

This is just an attempt to summarise what Buddhists mean by the Noble Eightfold Path. I have not attempted at this point to offer any Christian critique.

This is just a start at trying to identify key emphases in Buddhist Scriptures. I will add to this assortment of illustrations.

By any reckoning Emperor Ashoka was a remarkable ruler, who played an immensely significant role in the development and promotion of Buddhism. This is a simple outline of his life and accomplishments.

This is an attempt to explain how Buddhists, while emphasising the reality of rebirth, nevertheless insist there is no self. I have not incorporated any critique of this position at this stage, though it is worth pointing out that it involves debatable philosophical assumptions about the nature of change and that, being philosophically atheistic, Buddhism allows no room for a particular, individual and permanent self created and known by God.

This is largely just a simple attempt to summarise what Buddhists mean by the Four Noble Truths. Along the way I have inserted some comments which indicate, in a preliminary manner, points at which Christianity and Buddhism part company.

Exegetical notes on 1 Samuel 2:1-11.

MacIntyre identifies emotivism as the main opponent to his thesis that the language of morality has passed from a state of order to one of disorder.

Exegetical notes on 1 Samuel 1.

In his writings and public speaking the Dalai Lama often speaks of happiness and inner peace. What does this mean and involve and how should Christians respond?

A comprehensive critical summary of essential aspects of the Dalai Lama’s teaching.

In this first chapter of his provocative book, After Virtue, MacIntrye advances his hypothesis that we are living in a state of moral crisis, without realising a catastrophe has occurred.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. Doeg’s treacherous and malicious tongue is a lethal weapon. The attempts of this vile man to ingratiate himself with Saul will come to a tragic end. By contrast, the currently persecuted David is confident of God’s enduring protection and of his ultimate restoration.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this famous penitential psalm. David repents of the terrible sins he has committed, depending on God’s mercy and pleading that he will not be treated as his predecessor Saul was treated.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. God is poised to judge his people for covenant breach, not because of any deficiency in their sacrifices, as essential as these are to the covenant, but because of their violation of the Ten Commandments. God seeks expressions of thankfulness and dependence on him for deliverance.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this wisdom psalm. Wisdom is gained by taking death seriously. At that time it will become clear that those who have trusted in their wealth and social standing as expressions of God’s blessing are tragically in error.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. God has amply demonstrated his ability to defend his city against military threat. Jerusalem is a great and impregnable city because she constitutes the centre from which God rules the world.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. This psalm celebrates a decisive moment when God in triumph rules the nations from his capital, Jerusalem.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. Using familiar chaos metaphors the presence of God within the world-centre, Jerusalem, guarantees its safety notwithstanding intimidating military threat.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. The Davidic King’s greatness consists in his devotion to justice and righteousness and his wedding anticipates the perpetuation of his just rule, bringing blessing to the nations.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on this psalm. God’s covenant faithfulness seems to be a thing of the past in the face of a perplexing military defeat.

A FREE download of exegetical notes on these psalms. The psalmist is distressed because his deepest longing - to worship God - is currently thwarted.

Use this tool to assess and develop an existing ministry across cultures.

Are you relating and ministering to people across cultures? Here are some practical tips.

Here is some helpful advice on how to help refugees.

Some helpful ways of dealing with obstacles to ministry across cultures.

This is a summary of the depictions of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses provided by Aeschylus, Augustine and Homer.

A basic understanding of Buddhism and how to share the Christian faith with Buddhists.

A short and amusing list illustrating why English poses difficulties for non-English speakers.

Effective multicultural ministry necessarily involves a major emphasis on hospitality.

Some amusing examples of non-English speakers conveying unintended meanings.

Learning how to greet people across cultures.

How is Your Church Positioned for Multicultural Ministry? A simple way of gauging the status quo.

A close friend had suffered from health problems for many years and had struggled with cancer. But what disturbed him far more was watching the gradual deterioration of his wife’s health and the suffering she experienced as her body succumbed to increasing levels of disability.
His commitment to Christ was not in doubt. But he was […]