Acts 16:1-15 (AD 48-49) In chapter 15 Paul and Barnabas vigorously fought the idea that Gentiles needed to be circumcised to be Christians (15:1-2). The letter to Galatians accused those who pushed that idea of being heretics, and their doctrine of being anti-gospel, Satanic (e.g. 1:6-7; 3:1-6, 10-11 and especially 5:2-6). But here we read … More Day 196: Painful Faithfulness
Galatians 1:11-2:10 (AD 48) Paul told the Galatians that he received the gospel from God and didn’t make it up or hear it on the grapevine (1:11-12). It reminds me of this steaming pile of manure from one of the less-great thinkers of the 20th Century: “[Jesus] was and must always be be regarded as … More Day 188: It’s Not Paul’s Gospel
Luke 22:39-53 (especially v.43-44) – (spring AD 30, Thursday night of Passion Week) What does a ‘No’ from God really look like, anyway? For the purposes of this piece, a ‘No’ from God is any time you asked or expected something from him, and you didn’t get it. Famous examples in the Bible are the … More Day 125: What to do when God says ‘No’
Luke 22:39-53 (especially v.43-44) (spring AD 30, Thursday night of Passion Week) “[Jesus] withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in … More Day 124: When God says no (Part 2)
Luke 22:39-53 (spring AD 30, Thursday night of Passion Week) “[Jesus] withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he … More Day 123: When God says ‘No’
John 10:22-42 (winter AD 29) Many people say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Islamic doctrine states it. Muslims respect Jesus as a great prophet, the way Christians might respect Elijah – a man who did great things and never suggested he was more than a man. This is one of many passages showing … More Day 81: Jesus claimed to be God
[This article previously appeared in the Zimbabwe Sunday Mail on February 5th, 2017.] Psalms 37:4 (ESV) “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Really?! Great!! So all I have to do is work up an enthusiasm for the Almighty, sing wholeheartedly, post those Instagram shots of … More Misunderstood Bible Verses: Psalm 37:4
[This column was first published in the Zimbabwe Sunday Mail on 13th November 2016.] It was several years since I last ordered pizza. An attempt to cut down on saturated fats, processed meats and an excess of salt led me away from the doughy circles since I started my campaign to lose weight in 2011 and … More Making God in our Image
Paul T Reynolds 