Category Archives: Apologetics

Is healing in the atonement?

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Physical sickness came as a result of the fall and the subsequent curse, and leads eventually to physical death.  By his atoning death, Christ lifted that curse, Isa 53:4f, and there is consequently both spiritual healing (1 Pet 2:24), and physical healing (Mt 8:16-17) in the atonement.  Christ purchased for us complete freedom not only from sin, but also from bodily infirmity; however, the full possession of these benefits will not be ours until he returns, 1 Cor 15:23.…

Are all the spiritual gifts for today?

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The New Testament has various lists of ‘charismata’ (spiritual gifts):-

Romans 12:6-8

1 Cor. 12:8-10

1 Cor. 12:28-30

Eph. 4:11

1 Peter 4:9-11
Prophecy Word of Wisdom Apostleship Apostleship Speaking
Serving Word of Knowledge Prophecy Prophecy Serving
Teaching Faith Teaching Evangelism
Exhortation Healings Miracles Pastor/Teacher
Giving Miracles Healing
Leading Prophecy Helping
Showing Mercy Discerning of Spirits Administrating
Tongues Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues Interpretation of Tongues

Nelson’s complete book of Bible maps & charts : Old and New Testaments.…

Lk 8:40-56 – Jairus’ daughter raised – sermon notes

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The miracles are flowing so thick and fast at this stage in Jesus’ ministry that there now follows an account of two intertwined healing miracles.  The contrast between the two people who asked Jesus for help is notable.  One lesson arising from this is the essential equality of all before God: none are exempt from the ravages wrought by disease and death; and none are beyond the compassionate help of the Lord.

A man named Jairus – It must have been very hard for him to come to Jesus. …

Lk 7:11-17 – From death to life – sermon notes

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The miracle which is about to be recounted was one of just three occasions that we know of when Jesus raised the dead.  It is therefore one of the greatest of his miracles.  It demonstrates to a remarkable degree his pity mixed with power.  He had, on the previous day, healed one who was on the point of death.  But now he shows himself to be conqueror of death itself.

1.  The widow’s affliction

Picture the scene presented by that funeral procession, with the bereaved mother leading the way. …

If Jesus is the answer, what is the question?

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I suppose that in apologetics and evangelism it is possible to place too much stress on ‘beginning where people are’, and in addressing felt needs.  Nevertheless, it would be foolish to ignore the questions and concerns that are expressed by those to whom we would commend Christ.

With that thought in mind, it is interesting to look at the results of a small survey of people without any religious affiliation.  The survey was carried out as part of Coventry Diocese’s ‘Beyond the Fringe’ research project back in 2003.…

The miraculous element in revival (II)

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A descriptive account has been given in the previous chapter of occurrences which seem to contain a miraculous element.  Now the question arises as to what construction we should put on these occurrences.  In other words, are we warranted to accept that there may be a miraculous element in revival?

As previously noted, those who have a ‘reformed’ understanding of revival have tended to view with suspicion allegedly miraculous phenomena.  But there have been others who have taken a more positive approach. …

The miraculous element in revival (I)

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One aspect of revival which merits careful study is the miraculous element.  Now it is perfectly correct to say that any true revival is of supernatural origin, just as is regeneration of an individual soul.  But this part of our subject still needs consideration from a more limited point of view.  The question still to be answered is, To what extent, if any, do miracles occur in revivals?

This is a question on which evangelical theology has not yet articulated a clear, unambiguous answer. …

Thinking about natural disasters

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In April 2007, Vinoth Ramachandra gave an interesting lecture on ‘The Science and Theology of Natural Disasters’.  Dr Ramachandra is a theologian from Sri Lanka, and well placed to discuss events such as the great Asian Tsunami of 2004.  The lecture can be downloaded from the website of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion.

What follows here is based on the first part of his talk.

The great tsunami of 26th December 2004 claimed 1/4 million lives, and led many to question the credibility of faith in a god. …

A typology of the major sects & cults

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From the perspective of Christian orthodoxy, the major sects and cults can be classified according to their attitude towards the authority of the Bible and towards the Trinity and the incarnation.

1.  The Bible as the sole authority, but newly interpreted

Jehovah’s Witnesses – deny that the Bible teaches the full deity of Christ.  They adopt the Arian heresy of maintaining that Christ was the first created being, and not the eternal Jehovah.

Christadelphians – believe that the Son came into existence only when the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. …

Biblical teaching on war

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One of the most common and serious objections to Christian faith is that the Bible (especially the Old Testament) is ‘full’ of bloodshed that has been carried out in the name of, or even at the express command of, God.

I don’t want to offer glib answers to this objection.  However, it may be useful to try to summarise, as briefly and as honestly as I can, what the Bible teaches about war.

1.  War is repugnant to God, 1 Chron 22:8f; Psa 68:30; 120:6f; Isa 10:13ff; Amos 1:11, 13.…