Monthly Archives: July 2009

Hello people

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I’ve been reading Ezra and Nehemiah a few times recently, preparing for a series at church. More than once I’ve said to myself, ‘I guess we won’t be reading that chapter.’ Mainly the thought comes with passages like this:

On the seals are the names of Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah, Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests. And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; and their brothers, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
Nehemiah 10:1-27, ESV

We have had genealogies for Bible readings in the past, and will again. They’re not easy – often the only Bible readings to end with some applause for the reader! And even though we won’t get into these in our upcoming series, I think they’re great.

For me, they remind me again that the Bible is so very real and concrete. It’s story unfolds with real people, culminating in the fleshly reality of God walking among his own nation. (‘The word became flesh …’) Christianity can’t be reduced to philosophy or principle. It’s not the golden rule or love.

It reminds me of something John Dickson says at the start of Life of Jesus (imperfectly recalled): it’s as if Christianity places itself on the chopping block of history.

So to all those unpronounceable names, welcome. To all those who by faith will join the people of God, welcome. For the real Jesus really came to graciously offer us the Father’s welcome.

Bible & the media

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Today I came across Bite My Bible.

It’s a blog on the Bible in UK media, run by David Ashford, a guy from the Bible society (though it’s not a Bible Society show – David takes all the responsibility). The purpose of the site is, in it’s own words …

Bitemybible.com is a blog that looks at how the Bible is portrayed on the British media scene – the good, the bad and the ugly.


(NB newer image from newer version of the blog.)

What a great idea! A central place to note how the Bible gets used or misused in media. Where does the Bible crop up? What Bible accounts shape the way the news is told? When is misunderstanding obviously because someone has no idea about a biblical allusion?

Is there something like this is Australia? Please tell me if you know.

One place that would ‘fit’ such a blog is the Centre for Public Christianity, though their scope is much larger than just looking for use of God’s word.

If there’s nothing like this in Oz, should we start one? Perhaps get a few people from a few places to keep ears and eyes open, then note what’s going on. With some reflection, of course. It would be fascinating to know if there’s any difference here between Melbourne and Sydney, or WA and QLD, or radio and TV, or ‘highbrow’ and soap opera.

If you’re interested, let me know (comment here, or email minister at alburybiblechurch dot com dot au). Interest could be: you want to see this; you want to be part of this; you can suggest someone who’d do a great job; you have tips about the nuts and bolts of a group bloggy thing.

Wheels

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On Wednesday I did what sounds crazy. Got up in the dark and went for a ride. Not long, about an hour and a half. I needed proper lights. And it got above zero only for the last 15-20 minutes.

Why did I bother? Why did I enjoy it?

Some people do this because they’re proper cyclists with training regimes and they ride 5-7 days per week. I’m not them – never raced and have no desire to.

I think I know why – place and time.


from geology.isu.edu

I used to think (a week ago) that it was simply place. Riding is wonderful to reveal the layout of an area: here is that little creek, this is where the rise gets really steep, that curve reveals a great view, that road always has a headwind, etc. In a car I know the way but it all feels flat, the character muted.


from naturalsciences.com

No secret

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A very quick reaction to – not really a review of – the book I just finished. (The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth That Could Change Everything by Brian D. McLaren.)

Some great insights into parts of the Bible, but missing some foundations too. The coming kingdom is un-hitched from its arrival on the cross. The secret/mystery does not lead to considering revelation. The eternal divide is not brought about through God’s judgement but by our obedience. There are great hopes for the world – but it’s ultimately semi-Pelagian.

Concert footage

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Today’s home school concert, that is.

A whole lot of local home schoolers had music, drama, dance, etc. Even a 20 minute play directed by an older member of the home education crew. (This had been in writing and rehearsal most of the year so far.)

Nahum and Ruth both played a couple of tunes on the keyboard. Then Nahum also played a tune he wrote, with Mattea providing the physical interpretation.