The art of biblical interpretation: A covenant book

  • John McClean
  • 14 August 2015

In the ancient world, a covenant established a relationship of solidarity and loyalty. It was based on solemn promises, sealed with signs, and often regulated by a covenant document (the book of Deuteronomy is the fullest example in the Bible). The covenant document came from the lord of the covenant, stating who he was and how the relationship with his people had been established, and giving the conditions of the relationship.

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Don't let it fall off the table!

  • Stephen Liggins
  • 11 August 2015

Unless we are very deliberate and diligent, evangelism will almost always ‘fall of the table’ when push comes to shove in church (or Christian group) practice.

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Disciple-making ministry tip: Don't count sheep!

  • Shirley Mainstone
  • 10 August 2015

Many older people—and some younger ones too—have difficulty sleeping right through the night, spending hours or minutes trying to go to sleep. Many years ago, I was discussing insomnia with Dr Paul White, the famous “Jungle Doctor”. He stated, “If I can’t sleep, I don’t count sheep, I talk to the Shepherd.” The idea fascinated me, as a very frustrating time could then be used for something worthwhile.

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What’s in the bad bracket?

  • Tony Payne
  • 31 July 2015

English evangelical vicar Melvin Tinker recently found himself the subject of a media storm for daring to say that homosexual sex was morally wrong. This was in response to the decision by his local Canon to support and bless a gay pride rally, including draping a rainbow flag on the steps of York Minster.

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Down-under round-up: 29 July 2015

  • Sandy Grant
  • 29 July 2015

Summaries and links for further reading on the commodification of the body parts of aborted babies, the invitation to "come as you are", and how to win by not arguing.

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Disciple-making ministry tip: Prayer dice

  • Peter Chubb
  • 28 July 2015

When learning to pray, children (and adults!) often fall into a rut. They use the same words and pray the same things every time. I came up with an idea to help, to make praying fun, and to prompt the people praying to consider more things to pray about.

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How are institutional responses to child abuse affecting your faith?

  • Mark Gilbert
  • 27 July 2015

The Royal Commission will certainly challenge people’s trust in the institution of the Church, whether that be Catholic, Anglican or otherwise. And that is not a bad thing, if, instead of to the Church, we are able to point people’s trust toward the promises of Jesus and him alone.

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Is your church a safe house for criminals?

  • Andrew Barry
  • 7 August 2015

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, he wept bitterly over the people and spoke about the temple’s imminent obliteration, in part because the temple was operating as a “den of robbers” (Luke 19:41-46). The inspection grade was a clear fail!

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Down-under round-up: 5 August 2015

  • Sandy Grant
  • 5 August 2015

Links that matter on Australia and racism, four reasons to expect fruit, family devotions, The Gospel Coalition Australia, the redefinition of marriage, and transgender issues from a doctor's perspective.

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The art of biblical interpretation: Inspiration and unity

  • John McClean
  • 24 July 2015

We’ve looked at the implications of the doctrine of inspiration for reading the Bible. Since the Bible is God’s word, we don’t read it ‘just like any other book’. We reverence it as we revere God. We can’t understand the Bible without knowing the Author. We receive every part of the Bible as God’s word, no picking and choosing. This final discussion of inspiration focuses on the unity of the Bible.

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