Volume 30, Issue 4

July – August 2024

The Bible and Same-Sex Relations (1)

Contemporary Issues | by | Volume 30, Issue 4 | July – August 2024

Historically, the Bible has been thought to be very clear on the matter of same-sex relations, with no fewer than six or seven passages speaking specifically to it. Recently, however, some have begun to question that clarity. The churches around us have been locked in debate, some changing their long-held stances and others creating awkward workarounds. Two Church of England bishops, for example, recently claimed that loving, monogamous same-sex relationships should be permitted.[1] Even amongst those with a high view of Scripture, some have claimed that the passages are only speaking of promiscuity or pederasty (men with boys).

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Constantine, Pagan Worship and Judaism

Archaeology & History | by | Volume 30, Issue 4 | July – August 2024

Writing in Thirteen Lectures on … the Apocalypse of the events of the sixth seal, which records the eventual triumph of Christianity over paganism as the sole religion of the Roman Empire, Brother Robert Roberts observes that: “This change was one which affected the entire civilized world. Rome wielded universal empire over the civilized races of men, so that what affected Rome affected all the earth, and a change so radical, effected so violently, could not better be represented than by the symbolism of the sixth seal. It was a change that took considerable time to accomplish. It was not the work of one year. It occupied several years”.[1] In the words of one historian: “paganism was dying a slow death”. [2]

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Do Good

Minute Meditations | by | Volume 30, Issue 4 | July – August 2024

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The Apostle Paul tells us, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10). The virtue of doing good to others is a divine principle that is recognised worldwide, even by those who may not understand other biblical truths. For example, the Dalai Lama said, “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them”. Mahatma Gandhi taught, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Many Christians and non-Christians would agree with Martin Luther King Jr’s conclusion, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

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Lamentations (6)

Exposition | by | Volume 30, Issue 4 | July – August 2024

Concluding the book, this song is a powerful plea to Yahweh to look down from His dwelling place, see their suffering and bring about national renewal and forgiveness. Chapter 3 described the “man that hath seen affliction” and his perspective on the suffering of the nation. In verses 40-41, “the man” encourages the nation to lift their hearts to God and join him in prayer. It seems as if chapter 5 is the outworking of this, as the chorus at the end of the book, perhaps led by the man himself. 

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Haggai – Consider Your Ways

Exhortation | by | Volume 30, Issue 4 | July – August 2024

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Have there ever been times in your life when nothing seems to go right? Work is scarce, money doesn’t seem to go around, and bills keep mounting up!

I guess we can all answer, “sure that happens to all of us at times”. Perhaps it is for a reason.

There was a time in Israel’s history when this was the case and yes, there was a reason for it. It was the time of Haggai.

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