It’s often said that the Gospels are anonymous.
It’s true that none of them has the name of its author embedded in its text.
But, as Martin Hengel has argued, the present titles were unanimously attached by the middle of the 2nd century. It is highly likely that for this to happen the church would have know for quite some time who wrote which Gospel. Otherwise, multiple names would have circulated (as was the case with Hebrews).…
Peter Goeman gives a concise explanation of dispensationalist beliefs:
1. The Old Testament must be interpreted within its own context.
The meaning of the Old Testament stands on its own terms, and does not require the New Testament to interpret or re-interpret it.
2. There is a distinction between Israel and the Church.
They are distinct entities, although this does not mean that there is no relationship between them.
3. There is a future for ethnic Israel.…
Summarising this article by Kevin DeYoung.
1. The Holy Spirit convicts
He exposes the world’s wickedness, convicts people of sin, and calls them to repentance. Jn 3:20.
2. The Holy Spirit converts
We must be born of the Spirit, Jn 3:5. Conversion is described as ‘the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit’, Tit 3:5. He gives spiritual discernment, 1 Cor 2:12-14. He grants repetance that leads to life, Acts 11:18. He gives assurance, Rom 5:5; He enables us to believe God’s promises, Jn 1:12f; 3:36; 6:63-65.…
Stephen Kneale lists ten biblical texts where Jesus, he suggests, is explicitly called ‘God’:
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. — John 1:1 (CSB)
John 20:28
Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God! ’ — John 20:28 (CSB)
Romans 9:5
…They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple service, and the promises.
2 Chronicles 7:14 — “…if my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
The issue to be explored here is whether this promise is directly applicable to any nation today.
American Christian leaders have often sought to apply it to their nation.
In this article, Tony Bennett points out that in 1981, Ronald Reagan had been sworn in to office as President with his hand on his mother’s Bible, open at this verse.…
Hebrews 8:9 “It will not be like the covenant that I made with their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not continue in my covenant and I had no regard for them, says the Lord.”
There is an translational issue here.
This is one of a handful of places in this quotation from Jeremiah where the LXX differs from the MT.…
Romans 11:26 (NET) — ‘And so all Israel will be saved’.
I have compiled extensive notes on this provocative phrase. The key question is whether Paul is referring to
(a) ethnic Israel (as the majority of scholars think), or to
(b) ‘renewed’ Israel, comprising Jewish and Gentile believers alike. The latter view is advocated by John Calvin and N.T. Wright (along with some others), and I am inclined to agree with it.
In the course of his discussion of the question of whether the modern State of Israel has a divine right to occupy ‘the land’, Ian Paul has expressed support for this second view. …
Lots of people are ‘on a mission’. So are God’s people – all the time.
Success seems a remote hope, considering the state of the church then and now.
But “I have no other plan.” We know that it cannot fail, because of:-
1. The Father’s rule
Kingdom of God central in Jesus’ teaching, v3. Inclusio with 28:31.
A good question, v6. ‘Are we nearly there yet?’
But Jesus corrects them with respect to (a) timescale, v7; (b) extent, v8 (‘table of contents’). …
The story so far: Israelites slaves in Egypt. Moses raised up to by God’s deliverer. The Lord’s command to Pharaoh: “Let my people go. If you do not…”
Three more plagues:-
Swarms of flies, 8:20-32
Diseased livestock, 9:1-7
Boils and sores, 9:8-12
This sermon was preached at Holy Trinity Norwich, on the morning of 3rd August, 2025.
On this occasion, the only notes used were those in the accompanying Powerpoint slides.
…
