Pilgrim Thinking
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Introducing the Bible: The Book of Genesis
Genesis is the first book of the Bible. Its name comes from the Greek word for “origin” or “beginning,” as it documents the beginning of the created world, humanity, sin, and God’s plan of redemption. Genesis is also the first of the five books known as the Pentateuch or Torah. Pentateuch literally means “five scrolls”…
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Pilgrim Primer: Resurrection
The term “resurrection” signifies rising from the dead, implying a transformation into a new, immortal body rather than mere resuscitation. Central to Christianity, Christ’s resurrection validates Him as the Son of God, ensuring believers’ future resurrection and glorification at His return with imperishable bodies free from sin.
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Reflections on Lewis and Lennox: The Rational Intelligibility of the Universe
The text explores the relationship between the intelligibility of the universe and the rationality of the human mind. It argues that this congruence points to a rational Creator, as proposed by thinkers like C.S. Lewis and John Lennox. The scientific method arises not from chaos, but from a pre-existing order established by God, affirming that…
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Pilgrim Primer: Redemption
The term “redemption” refers to buying back something, often through a ransom. In a biblical context, it symbolizes salvation, where humanity is seen as enslaved by sin. Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death serves as the ransom, freeing believers from sin’s bondage and restoring their relationship with God.
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Reflections on Lennox: Mechanism and Agency
John Lennox argues that science and theology are not opposing but complementary explanations. Science addresses “how?” through mechanisms, while theology answers “who?” and “why?” through agency. He emphasizes that misunderstanding the relationship between these explanations leads to a false conflict, as both perspectives can coexist and enhance our understanding of the universe.
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Pilgrim Primer: Baptism
The term “baptism,” derived from the Greek “baptizó,” signifies immersion and represents both a physical act and a spiritual truth in the New Testament. It involves immersion into Christ, symbolizing believers’ unity with Him in His death and resurrection, and immersion into the Spirit, signifying the reception of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence.
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Pilgrim Primer: Fasting
Fasting, in its most basic sense, is the spiritual discipline of abstaining from food for a period to devote oneself to seeking and serving God. It is a tangible way of prioritising communion with God over the satisfaction of basic physical needs. It is a practice found throughout the Old and New Testaments, undertaken by…
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The Story of Scripture Part 5: The Feasts of Israel
The Feasts of Israel and the Messiah The seven feasts of Israel, given by God to Moses, are a significant and often misunderstood part of the Old Testament. They remembered past events, and pointed to the future, foreshadowing events to be fulfilled in the person and work of the Messiah. One thing to understand is…
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Pilgrim Primer: Sin, Transgression and Iniquity
Sin is the central issue that the Bible seeks to resolve, and is the only reason the Bible exists. If sin did not enter the world, the Bible and its contents would not be necessary. Sin describes any failure to conform to the moral law of God, either in act, speech or attitude. It is…
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Pilgrim Primer: Salvation
Salvation is God’s act of rescuing believers from sin’s power, presence, and penalty, restoring them to their original purpose of knowing and reflecting God. It involves justification, sanctification, and glorification through Jesus Christ, ensuring believers are not just saved from hell but are transformed for a new life in fellowship with Him.
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