There’s no “I am” in Hebrew

There’s no I am in Hebrew. Well, not exactly… Got into a conversation some time ago on Google+ about a verse in the Bible which is often translated along the lines of “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). … Continue reading →

Losing touch with God

The story of the golden calf is one I’m very familiar with, and yet something I’d never noticed before suddenly leapt at me off the page when I re-read it recently, and it was this: it all happened “when the … Continue reading →

Peace making – notes from this evening’s sermon

The text was from Matthew: 5:9 Blessed are the peace makers 5:23-26 If you bring an offering to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, go and talk to your brother and try to make peace … Continue reading →

Don’t sweat the small stuff? really?

I woke up and looked at my alarm clock. It told me what the time was – well, roughly… I need to check sometime which of my various clocks has the right time – the one in the kitchen is … Continue reading →

“Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes”

“The premise of the book is that when we read Scripture, it is a cross-cultural experience, every time… So we need to be aware of the differences that span this gulf between us to avoid misreading Scripture.”

Sounds like a very interesting and useful book for Christians! Read the full review on Aubry Smith’s blog.

But this is how God made me… so why?…

If gay orientation isn’t a choice, how can I believe that God says no to gay sex? If the attraction to people of the same gender is not something a person chooses but is part of how they are, then … Continue reading →

Looking with scorn on the vile

We were looking at Psalm 15 at home group – who may abide in God’s tent? not me, was my immediate response. I definitely don’t fit that description. Nor does anyone I know. We may have some level of goodness … Continue reading →

Neighbours, friends, and fellow humans

Love your neighbour as you love yourself, the Bible says – at least that’s what most English translations say. I don’t know why the Hebrew word “rea” (pronounced: ré-a) has been translated as “neighbour”, it’s a word which can be … Continue reading →

The No Entry sign is gone – halleluiah!

In the beginning of Leviticus 16, God makes it clear to Aaron that he is not free to enter “the holy place inside the veil” whenever he likes, “or he will die”. God gives instructions as to how Aaron should … Continue reading →

A sadly common error in Christian circles

Forgetting that you’re reading a translation – my latest Church Laundry rant.