Having studied theology I am very familiar with the idea of the cultural context aspect of biblical interpretation. This area is becoming a greater part of mainstream thinking, i.e. its not just for theologians to know about but is very often encouraged as part of the wider population of the church. However, having delved into this generally and in relation to a number of topics for 25 years, having embraced many of the ideas and principles I now find it has some serious pote

This is described as a dead church. It is an asleep church. What is left is about to die. Only a few walk with the Lord. Put simply, this would basically mean that only a few people in that church were actually saved. Yet, this church had a reputation of being alive! Let me say that again for emphasis: most people in Sardis were not saved, yet they had a reputation of being alive. This is serious. See this contrast. Other people saw this church, what they did, how they behave

I have for many years heard the term 'lukewarm' as referring to any form of possible backsliding, half in the world, half in the church or generally just being half hearted. However, this is not strictly what the term really refers to based on the critique Jesus gives of the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. So often, when we engage with scripture, things can be so readily accepted without personal study. This is one of those times. I have never heard someone talk of

One thing that always struck me about Genesis and its tragic telling of the fall of mankind and its seemingly odd emphasis on nakedness....

Laws on being unclean can seem unusual. Regarded as something that an Israelite absolutely must follow. Being unclean had great social...

Is our Spirituality more selfish than we realise? I have begun really looking at this recently. There is a lot of focus on our personal...

I have heard the word abomination and homosexuality referred to in the same sentence 1000 times, possibly more. But when I look at the...

It can seem like a silly question perhaps, but I do wonder if we generally grasp the meaning of marriage in the church? We focus on...

Is 'Deborah' evidence that supports women elders? The account of Deborah, Judges 4, is often used as an example from the egalitarian...

One's Christians perspective on this popular book (at the time of writing this review it boast sales of over 16 million!). A few...

Perhaps you have heard that idea before, and it sound fluffy and nice. But what does it mean and why is it so important? and, then, how...

In my own studies of different views regarding women elders, one thing I have noticed is this issue of hierarchy in the church. While it...

There are so many opportunities these days to serve in the church not only in the local church but also Christian organisations and...

With all that has been discussed so far, perhaps one of the most profound things we can know is that while the law and prophets pointed...

The important thing to remember here is balance. Focus all your beliefs and theology on only a few verses and you could reject the law....