"If marriage is good, singleness is also good".In this extract from an interview with John Stott shares some thoughts and reflections on his single life.
An article that looks in particular at understanding biblical teaching
Julian Hardyman’s book “Jesus, Lover of My Soul: Fresh Pathways to Spiritual Passion” deep dives into the idea of Jesus as a Lover, primarily through the Song of Songs. Hardyman takes care to show how “the Song” (as he refers to it) is not just an exploration of human love but also divine love, not just in terms of Jesus’ love for the church, but on an individual and very personal level.
Caring is (of course) a biblical concept. The two senses of “care” in the English language are mirrored in our practical experience of caring. Showing concern and kindness to others comes with a cost, and caring people are often prone to experience their care and compassion for others morphing into burdens for themselves that they cannot carry.
As I was preparing it, I just sensed the Lord saying, “betrothed not married - betrothed". This interview with Jeanette explores the idea of being betrothed to Christ, particularly looking at the ancient Jewish betrothal process. Jeanette draws out the parallels with the situation of all Christians, as they await being fully united with Christ in the life to come.
Come with me back to 17 AD to a young man... Timothy's background of Judaism and paganism made him a perfect student for Paul, who recognised in Timothy an uncompromising faithfulness to the word of God...
In the face of hostility, it’s easy to get stuck in one defensive posture, reacting to everyone outside our tribe in the same rigid way. In this article I’ll be reviewing four possible responses we can have to hostility: compromise, silence, withdrawal and confrontation. Looking at each of them in turn, I’ll be identifying when they can be valuable, but also showing the harm that comes by taking the response too far.