Colin Chapman on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Cambridge Papers are published once a quarter and address a wide range of topics, offering ‘Christian reflection on contemporary issues’.

The latest paper is available online here (from where a pdf can be downloaded here):

Colin Chapman, ‘The Israel-Hamas War and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict’, Cambridge Papers 33, 2 (July 2024).

Here is the summary:

‘Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s response have pushed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the top of the international agenda and created an existential crisis for Israel. This paper attempts to explain the background to these events by surveying the history of Israel’s dealings with Gaza since 1948. After asking whether there should be a distinctively Christian approach to the conflict, it explores the possibilities for a just and peaceful resolution of the conflict.’

Lausanne Global Analysis 13, 4 (July 2024)

The latest issue of Lausanne Global Analysis, from The Lausanne Movement, is available online from here, containing the below essays:

Everton Jackson

Affirming Our Common Calling: Interdependence for Polycentric Mission

Michael Prest

Collaboration not Control: Rethinking the International Agency Model in the Pursuit of Mutual Mission Sending Partnerships with the Majority World

Gideon Para-Mallam

Adaptive Leadership: Leading in Disruptive and Stormy Times

Merethe Dahl Turner

Abusive Leadership: Preventing Abuse and Misuse of Power in Christian Ministry

Isaac Watts (Born 17 July 1674)

I’ve just been made aware – and can’t let the moment go past without writing a brief note – that today is the 350th anniversary of the birth of Isaac Watts: minister, scholar, linguist, theologian, and often referred to as ‘the father of English hymnody’.

He is perhaps most well-known for ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’, but was also the author of the brilliant ‘Joy to the World’ (based on Psalm 98) and ‘Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun’ (based on Psalm 72). Apparently, this last one was sung in Edinburgh Waverley Station when Eric Liddell set out to serve in China.

Tearfund Bible Study Films on Creation Care

Tearfund have pulled together a series of Bible study videos looking at the topic of creation care.

According to the website:

‘In the first four films, prominent church leaders from Scotland remind us that our hope is in a God whose majesty is written across creation. We need to be reconciled to him and to others, revitalised in our faith, and continually renewed and bearing fruit. And, as part of this restoration plan, we need to care for his good earth.

‘The fifth bonus film is of US New Testament theologian Professor Doug Moo speaking about creation care to an audience at a Tearfund Scotland event in Edinburgh in late 2023.’

1. Creation in the psalms (Psalms 8, 19 and 24)

Dr Jamie A Grant, Vice Principal (Academic), PhD coordinator and lecturer specialising in biblical studies, Highland Theological College

Jamie considers what these three psalms have to say about God, and our relationship with him and with creation. God is Lord over all the earth and his reign is good, so our actions as his people should reflect his goodness. Psalm 8 tells us how the created order speaks of God’s character, his majesty and the vastness of  creation, while Psalm 19 tells us about the beauty of creation and its missional impact in reflecting God’s glory. Psalm 24 is a profound reminder that our care for the environment is inextricably linked with our care for people.

2, My Father is the gardener (John 15:1–5)

Simon Dennis, Lead Pastor, Sheddocksley Baptist Church

In this familiar passage, Simon looks at God our Father as a gardener and considers how we can join with him in bearing fruit. Importantly, it is only in Jesus that we can live fruitful and flourishing lives. In him, all things are being made new, and all creation is longing for us to be who we were made to be. We are called to plant gardens and bear fruit wherever we are, whatever our sphere of influence, bearing his image and worshipping God.

3. Hope (Colossians 1:19–20)

Rev Ian Watson, Hope Free Church, Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill

What is our attitude to warnings about climate change? As Christians we can take the Bible seriously when it says there is a future for planet earth. We have this hope because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God will reconcile all things to himself, which will include all of creation, not just his people. Our redeemer God will transform this fallen world and there will be no end to all of creation praising God. But in the meantime we have an obligation to care for this present creation, even as we look forward to the new one.

4. Strengthen what remains (Revelation 3:1–6)

Rev Peter Turnbull, Burghead Free Church, Elgin

In this study, Peter focuses on the call in Revelation 3:1–6  to ‘strengthen what remains’ within the church. Revitalisation and renewal are close to God’s heart and are a constant theme of scripture. Do we need to re-energise ourselves and our church for the witness and work of Christ? There is a desperate need to make Jesus known in this world, but to be effective, we must regain our first love of the gospel and strengthen the church.

5. The hermeneutics of creation care

Prof Doug Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament (retired)

Doug focuses on the importance of having a mind that is being renewed (Romans 12:1–2), which means applying biblical values to every aspect of life, including caring for creation. All things are being reconciled to God, including his good earth, and when his restoration plan is accomplished, this earth too will be renewed.

The videos, including transcripts, are available from here.

9Marks Journal (June 2024) on Seasons in a Pastor’s Life

The latest issue of the 9Marks Journal, available from here, looks at the topic of ‘Seasons in a Pastor’s Life’.

In the Editor’s Note, Jonathan Leeman writes [edited]:

‘When you’re young, you expect things like marriage and career to look one way, but so often it looks different. Like walking around the Byzantine hallways of a sprawling shopping mall, you sometimes stop, look around, and think, “Wait, how did I get here? Where am I?”

‘So in the life of a pastor. Entering the pastorate, you have one set of expectations. Then ministry takes you down strange pathways, whole seasons you didn’t anticipate. Every once in a while, you look around and think, “How did we get here? And, goodness, I’m tired.”

‘Having folks one or two steps ahead is helpful for moving through different. They can explain what to expect… Yet how reassuring for an older brother to come along, place an arm around the shoulder, and say, “Don’t worry. I was there. And I got through it. Here’s what God taught me.” Ah, yes, maybe I can make it through, too. 

‘Our goal for this edition of Church Matters is to have a number of men offer that arm for the shoulder. What should you expect for getting started, for the early stages of the race, for the many laps which follow, and for gliding gracefully through the finish line? Different seasons impose different challenges and afford different opportunities.’

Christopher Ash on Zeal Without Burnout

Every month, The Good Book Company make available digital versions of one of their books at no charge. This month (July 2024) it’s Zeal Without Burnout: Seven Keys to a Lifelong Ministry of Sustainable Sacrifice by Christopher Ash, which is available in exchange for an email address here.