On the atonement
Leviticus 12, 13 "I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" ( Pss. 51:5 KJV). From the beginning of my life my contact has been with the unclean—how than can a man become pure? The atonement blood that cleanses my mother must avail also for me. O Lamb of God, what a sacrifice Thou art! Whose blood could avail like Thine? Goat's blood could not cleanse for animals are nonmoral.
Abortion in Australia
Pro-life speaker Bruce Coleman (Choices Of Life) spoke in our school this week, regarding the value of life and the Christian response to abortion. Several students expressed thanks for the informative and practical presentation, which also prompted me to do some research. Some online statistics I gathered: Australia's abortion rate is high in comparison to other developed nations. There are around 90,000 abortions in Australia each year, or two aborted lives for every five
Jason, what does “imputed” mean?
A friend asked me recently "Jason, what does imputed mean?" No, she wasn't a Christian. And no we weren't studying the Bible. We were studying for an accounting exam at uni. The reason she asked is that one of our questions had a factor called "the imputed interest rate." "I can't really think of how to explain it in accounting terms" I said, "but in theology, imputation is where the righteousness of Jesus Christ is
Top fifteen finds from Biblical archaeology
I was introduced to biblical archaeology back in seminary. ("What do you mean, Indiana Jones isn't real?!") I learned that archaeology is not essential to prove the veracity of the Scriptures, yet archaeology has unearthed many evidences that affirm the Bible's reliability. Old Testament scholar Walter Kaiser has listed fifteen of what he considers to be the top finds from biblical archaeology, including: 1. Ketef Hinnom Amulets In 1979, two tiny silver scrolls were discovered
On inspiration and apologetics… and an ulcerous moon
Letter from Fritz... today. Most encouraging. Lead him on, Lord. Inspiration From Gaussen's work Theopneustia [the Greek word which the King James Version translates "is given by inspiration of God"] I have been stimulated to define my view and reasons for inspiration of the Scriptures. Here are jottings: Gaussen defends the Old Testament as inspired first (wholly on New Testament grounds), because he then strengthens his New Testament argument for inspiration by saying that if
Is God on my side?
The Battle of Jericho is one of the Bible's most unusual war stories, where Jesus in pre-incarnate form appears, sword in hand, before the battle, and the Israelites simply march repeatedly around the city for seven days. The city walls collapse after the blast of trumpets and a shout, and God finally judges the wicked inhabitants who had locked themselves in, while showing mercy to a prostitute who trusted in Him. Consider how the gospel
Thursday afternoon
Wednesday had been a difficult day in the city, so he was glad to spend the evening at a friend's house in a small town a few kilometres outside the city. Thursday morning he sent some friends to prepare for the evening in the city. But after that, we have no record of what he did all day Thursday until after sundown. What we do know is that by Friday afternoon, he was dead. What
I can’t; God can
Each week I teach a few Scripture classes in public schools. I enjoy seeing children learn Bible stories for the first time, since many of the students do not attend any church. Their enthusiasm and curiosity also help me to see the word afresh. Recently we've been learning the story of Moses and the Exodus. You know how it goes: baby Moses in the basket, Moses flees Egypt to herd sheep, Moses meets God at
Enjoying communion
I feel especially blessed to have attended church from childhood! But one risk of growing up in church is that you can become mentally mechanical during the church service. Communion time is one example. I think many Christians acknowledge the significance of Communion but often feel "in a rut" during Communion. So it's helpful to rethink what is taking place as you participate.
The ten marks of a flesh-pleaser
I recently read this thoughtful, convicting article by 17th century English pastor Richard Baxter and want to share it here. "The Ten Marks of a Flesh-Pleaser" by Richard Baxter Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. The signs of a flesh-pleaser are these: 1. When a man in his desire to please his appetite, does not do it with a