James 5 - The Prayer of Faith

Greek Text:
 13  Κακοπαθεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν, προσευχέσθω· εὐθυμεῖ τις, ψαλλέτω·14  ἀσθενεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν, προσκαλεσάσθω τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους τῆς ἐκκλησίας καὶ προσευξάσθωσαν ἐπ᾽ αὐτὸν ἀλείψαντες [αὐτὸν] ἐλαίῳ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ κυρίου. 15  καὶ ἡ εὐχὴ τῆς πίστεως σώσει τὸν κάμνοντα καὶ ἐγερεῖ αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος· κἂν ἁμαρτίας ᾖ πεποιηκώς, ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ.16  ἐξομολογεῖσθε οὖν ἀλλήλοις τὰς ἁμαρτίας καὶ εὔχεσθε ὑπὲρ ἀλλήλων ὅπως ἰαθῆτε. πολὺ ἰσχύει δέησις δικαίου ἐνεργουμένη.

 17  Ἠλίας ἄνθρωπος ἦν ὁμοιοπαθὴς ἡμῖν, καὶ προσευχῇ προσηύξατο τοῦ μὴ βρέξαι, καὶ οὐκ ἔβρεξεν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐνιαυτοὺς τρεῖς καὶ μῆνας ἕξ·18  καὶ πάλιν προσηύξατο, καὶ ὁ οὐρανὸς ὑετὸν ἔδωκεν καὶ ἡ γῆ ἐβλάστησεν τὸν καρπὸν αὐτῆς.

Holman Christian Standard Bible:

 13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord.  15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will restore him to health; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.


The above passage is what my research project  for college. It has a whole heap of exegetical issues, and I think pastoral issues. I'm currently in the process of writing an exegetical paper on the passage to begin my thinking . God willing I can come up with some helpful solutions

The Atonement: By Leon Morris

I'm starting to read this book  by Leon Morris on the atonement. It's one of the classic studies on the atonement from a leading Evangelical Scholar. After a quick flick through, it looks like it will be a cracker! I hope to post up over the coming weeks some reflections on what I've been reading.

What is Christian Ethics?

I've been reading for a little while now this great book by Michael Hill, "The How and Why of Love - An introduction into Evangelical Ethics."

And I have to say, it has been really enjoyable. It's nice to read something at college that is very clear, well argued and a delight to read. I have been challenged in my thinking about how I go about developing and sustaining what Hill calls 'Mutual Love Relationships" (MLR's). Another thing that this book does really well, is it grounds ethical deliberations within the story of redemption, from creation to new creation (that is, within Biblical Theology.) Hill takes you through this schema, showing his working if you like, and so develops his theological ethic based on a reading of scripture. He then moves on to some moral issues, and so applies his ethical theory to these very important issues, thus giving a module of how Christian ethics is done.

I've also noticed that the publisher has produced a great downloadable study guide. Find it here.

Gospel Song Animation

One of the songs that I often sing to my daughter, especially when we are trying to settle her down (but on other occasions as well) is a song call  'The Gospel Song'. It is a very simple song that has a very profound message. In fact I believe it to be one of the most profound messages that human beings can hear. It is a message of the Love that the God of the universe has lavished on the word. It is the message of why it is possible for sinful creatures (that is those who say to God, 'I'm doing it my way, but I'll take all your blessings, but basically you can go jump!), can be brought into a loving relationship with the one who made them. This is the ultimate Love song in my book. It's the message I constantly pray that my daughter will know and believe. And it's my prayer that others I don't know this message, will come to cherish.

Have a look at this very powerful animation, accompanied by 'the Gospel Song'. It gets to the heart of what the Christian message is all about. The Holy God who in love became the perfect man to bare my blame; the blame that is mine for rejecting the God of the Universe, the one who created all things, and who is only revealed in the person of Jesus. It is very powerful.




If you want to find out about who Jesus is, check out here . I'm happy to chat as well.

Thinking about the Holy Spirit

We are currently teaching a series at Kids church on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I've been trying to trying to think through some of the issues on the Holy Spirit's ministry of assurance. Big topic! As I've been working through Romans 8,  I guess this is what I've come up with.

How can I know (be confident) that God loves me?

The gift of the person of the Holy Spirit helps me by:
1. Pointing me to Jesus, as the only one who could deal with my sin (8:1-4).
2. Units me to Jesus as an adopted Son, by which I cry Abba, Father. Through this cry the Holy Spirit bears witness to the fact that I'm a child of God (8: 12-17)
3. Helps me Pray, when I don't know what to say (8:26-27).

That's my thinking, I'm going to let that mull lfor a bit.

Meditations on Mission (Part V)

Reflection 5: Do you have beautiful feet?

 ¹Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. ²For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. ³Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. ⁴Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

 ⁵Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." ⁶But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷"or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ⁹That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ¹¹As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." ¹²For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

 ¹⁴How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:1-15 NIV, emphesis mine)

Meditations on Mission (Part IV)

Reflection 4: What is Mission? Mission is the activity of God's beloved people, declaring the praises of Him who has brought us out of the kingdom of darkness into his marvelous light!

 ⁹But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ¹⁰Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV)

Meditations on Mission (Part III)

Reflection 3: Why do we do Mission? Because God has many people in this city!

 ⁹One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. ¹⁰For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." ¹¹So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. (Acts 18: 9-11 NIV) [emphasis mine]

Meditations on Mission (Part II)

Reflection 2: How do we do mission? Knowing that our confidence is not in our own ability, but in God who works through us by His Spirit to bring life.

 4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Cor 3:4-6 NIV)

Meditations on Mission (Part I)

Why do we do mission as the People of God? Last week we had a mission at church. Here are some meditations which I shared with my primary programme team at the start of each day.

Reflection 1: Why do mission? Because Salvation is found in JESUS alone.

'Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.' Acts 4:12

A new look for Robyn's blog

I'm not the only one who has changed the look and feel of his blog. My Wife gave her's a makeover. It looks completely different. And I have to say, that it looks great!!! But its not all about the look, the content is terrific as well. She even has April's Baby book. It's an encouragement to read. Find it here.

A new look...

Hi there, I haven't written in this thing for a while, and I decided to change it up, and give it a new look. I know it is simple, but the new templetes on blogger are looking nice. So here is the new look. Hopefully I'll get back to blogging soon with some more thoughts.

1 Peter 1:1

Today Robyn and I started our scheme of trying to remember a whole book, 1 verse at a time. We decided to start with 1 Peter.

Here is the first verse. I plan on adding each verse that we plan to memorise...

^1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

Livinging in God's world

I came across this article in the SMH and it makes me think upon just how far our world has gone away from God's intended purposes. To actually have someone say that infidelity is a good thing for marriages, boils my blood. How many marriages have broken down because of the hurt as a result of infidelity? How deep are the scars of both men and women who are the "cheated on" party? What about the affect on children?

God's intended purposes for marriage are for unity and single minded devotion to our spouses. As a male I don't need this kind talk, as portrayed by this article. I need to be reminded of God's purposes. I know my own heart! This to me is an example of lies being put forwards as truth.

May God be gracious and give our world an appreciation of the goodness of marriage, and why we have to fight so hard to protect it!

A helpful article - "Imagine no religion"

Here is a helpful article by Micheal Jensen on religion. He is a lecturer at the college I attend. It's also interesting to read the comments in response to this. I'm always astounded by the way people argue their case. Find it here...

Remembering God's Word

I've been thinking about how to get scripture into my soul, much to the encouragement of Dave Miers, and it is something that Robyn and I seek to try to do together. So I've also been thinking about posting my verses in this blog...

But if this is something you'd be keen to have a go at, check out the follow for some good resources to get you thinking about it. Find it here

Thinking about Church Part 2

After I got the ball started with my last post, I started reading through some scriptures, jotting down some notes in my journal, and well, started to think this is harder than I thought. It's such a huge topic! But an importance nonetheless.

Anyway what are my thoughts? As I was thinking, I should work out what the Old Testament background to the church is, so I picked up the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology -- by IVP (Great resource by the way!), and read this really helpful little article by D. Tidball. He had this line: the church is the 'consequence of the character and purposes of a trinitarian God.' (p407).

Now as you look at the narrative of the Old Testament you see how this works out. God calls Abram, promises him that he'll be a great nation, and the nations will be blessed through him (Gen 12:1-3). In redeeming Israel (Abraham's descendants) from the oppression in Egypt, Yahweh remembers his covenant with Abraham and Israel's forefathers (Exodus 2:23). They were to be His people and he their God. They were called out to worship Yahweh and serve him (Exodus), in being Yahweh's 'treasured possession' and 'kingdom of priests' (Ex. 19:4-6). The reason for this choosing of Israel was not that they were impressive but because of Yahweh's love (Deuteronomy 7). What was required, was spelled out in the covenant, it was love and loyalty.

However, this is not the picture of the Old Testament people of God. They constantly fall into worship of other gods, and forsake Yahweh. So they get punished for this rebellion with the exile (cf. Deuteronomy 28 for the curses). But the prophets looked forward to the time when God would 'gather' his 'scattered people' to himself. And these people would not just come from the remnant of Israel, but from the nations (cf. Isaiah 2, Micah 4). God's purposes have been to call a people to himself. The Old testament has this huge expectation of an in-gathering of many people to God, to be in relationship with Him under blessing, in fulfillment to the promises made to Abraham way back in Genesis.

Now there is much in the Old Testament that gets picked up in the New Testament, in terms of language used to describe the people of God. it adds depth to our understanding of the church, when see it in this light. The ideas are transformed into a greater reality when seen in light of the person and work of Jesus. But we need the background of the OT. This has been very brief. Next time I'll turn to ponder what the New Testament says in terms of 'what is church?'.

Thinking about Church

Robyn and I are currently on holidays from College, and also after exams, our church (Denham Court Anglican). Last week we decided to go to another church to meet with God's people. As we had another week of Church holidays this week, we decided to go to another church again. It was interesting, and not what we were used to. And so, it got me thinking about church....

What is church? What is important for church? What does the Bible say about how God's people are to gather? And what things should be part of the 'time together'? How much of our culture and the media has influneneced the way we go about 'doing church'? Is that all together bad?

In the next couple of entries, I'll spend some time thinking 'out loud' so to speak, reflecting on church and the things associated with it. I know that greater minds than mine have already written plenty on this, but I guess want to delve into the Scriptures to see if I can start to come up with some answers to these questions... hopefully its a journey that is helpful.

Some thoughts on Suffering and 2 Corinthians

Here is a paper that I wrote up for church. It's a paper that reflects on our personal experience, and the parts of 2 Corinthians that have become precious to us in being comforted by our gracious God...Tell me what you think, find it here.

You Know me Lord...

Psalm 139

1 For the music director, a psalm of David. O LORD, you examine me and know.

2 You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives.

3 You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do.

4 Certainly my tongue does not frame a word without you, O LORD, being thoroughly aware of it.

5 You squeeze me in from behind and in front; you place your hand on me.

6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.

7 Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence?

8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.

9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea,

10 even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me.

11 If I were to say, "Certainly the darkness will cover me, and the light will turn to night all around me,"

12 even the darkness is not too dark for you to see, and the night is as bright as day; darkness and light are the same to you.

13 Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother's womb.

14 I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing. You knew me thoroughly;

15 my bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret and sewed together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

17 How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total!

18 If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you.

19 If only you would kill the wicked, O God! Get away from me, you violent men!

20 They rebel against you and act deceitfully; your enemies lie.

21 O LORD, do I not hate those who hate you, and despise those who oppose you?

22 I absolutely hate them, they have become my enemies!

23 Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!

24 See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me, and lead me in the reliable ancient path!

(NET Bible)