Lessons from P91
In a recent post I told you a little about my visit to see P91, an ancient copy of a New Testament portion. In my attempt to keep that post to a reasonable length, I limited my comments significantly. So this is my chance to talk some more about what was a pretty amazing opportunity for me. Jason Harris with p91 (in glass plate on table) Here are a few thoughts I took
Early Scripture fragment in Sydney
Dr. Don Barker, Papyrologist and secretary of the Society for the Study of Early Christianity at Macquarie University recently took the time to show me a third century copy of God's word known as P91 which is held there at the Sydney Museum of Ancient Cultures. He has graciously given permission to publish photos of our visit. If you are interested in a similar opportunity, please take a moment to look at Dr. Barker's Face
Face to Face with the New Testament
Dr. Don Barker offers a seminar Face to Face with the New Testament in Sydney. You can get the information on the web here (go down to #4). The following information is taken directly from the pdf brochure which Dr. Barker emailed to me (download pdf). Museum of Ancient Cultures Macquarie University Hear about the amazing New Testament discoveries from the sands of Egypt. Learn how the New Testament documents were written and copied. Understand
Loving father; willing son
I recently took my family to visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. With my sons in hand, we gazed on battle scenes and war memorabilia. The boys were keenly interested in the old guns, tanks and planes. “Look at this one, Daddy! Wow, I'd like to fly that one!” I enjoyed their enthusiasm for the sights, since the War Memorial was a favorite of my childhood, too. Yet now as a father, I was
A far green country
This video clip has captivated me over the last week or so. I've watched it at least a dozen times. Craig Johnson first pointed me to it. Here's how he introduced it: One of the best parts of the movie, The Return of the King (in my opinion), is this little dialogue between Gandalf and Pippin, waiting for the enemy to break through the upper gate in Gondor. Interestingly, this dialogue is not in
The startling quietness of God
I think there is nothing so startling in all the graces of God as His quietness. When men have raged untruths in His Name, when they have used the assumed authority of the Son of God to put to death His real children, when they have with calloused art twisted the Scriptures into fables and lies, when they have explained the order of His creations in unfounded theories while boasting the support of rational science,
John Stott: The Cross of Christ
I'm currently enjoying John Stott's great work The Cross of Christ, which is full of helpful insights on the cross as the New Testament's dominating theme. (A good survey for initial study is Leon Morris' The Cross In The New Testament) Here's a couple examples: "Our substitute, then, who took our place and died our death on the cross, was neither Christ alone…nor God alone…but God in Christ, who was truly and fully both God
Because I said so
Reading through Leviticus recently, I've noticed a phrase that comes up time after time: "I am the Lord." God is giving the Israelites instructions, the purpose for which is not always obvious. Then it's as if he anticipates their question. "But why?!" Why do I have to do that? Why does it have to be like that? I don't understand! Then God answers with the simple statement "I am the Lord." In other words, "Because
When the milk of the word curdles
There is that restlessness, that itching, urging discontent in me again this morning. The milk of the Word curdles before me or seems to sour within. Hatefulness and rebellion against all restraint is not far from the surface; and it is good that I am not alone here. "Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil...." –15 January, 1951
The perfect church
Right. So you finally find the perfect church. The pastor, the preaching, the music, the fellowship... everything. It's perfect. And it's a good thing because after all these years, you were beginning to think it didn't exist. But it does of course. You have proof. You've just found it. Thus you dwell in heavenly oblivion as you relish the Utopian splendour of a truly perfect church. The jolt Then one day it happens. Like a