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Brett Slavin on Job and prayer (19/11/2008).
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Gavin Perkins on A truly reformed pastor (18/11/2008).
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The enemy of the best by Lionel Windsor (0 comments). One of the most confronting sayings by Jesus can be found in Luke 9:57-62: As they were going along the … more
Job and prayer by Andrew Barry (4 comments). This is an old thought of mine that I blogged a few years ago, but I want to know what other … more
A Christian view of entertainment by Mark Thompson (10 comments). Just the other day, I heard the story of a massive donation of Shakespeare manuscripts and later versions to the Globe … more
A truly reformed pastor by Gavin Perkins (5 comments). The word ‘pastor’ comes from the word ‘shepherd’. Someone is considered a good ‘pastor’ if they are skilled and compassionate in … more
Factotum #1 by Paul Grimmond (1 comment). As most of you are probably aware, Saturday is our blast from the past day. It's a reminder, in some ways, … more
Getting practical on abortion by Sandy Grant (0 comments). I was really glad that my colleague, Dr Michelle Gajus Read, successfully gave notice of motion more
It’s too much like home by Paul Grimmond (1 comment). I've got a confession to make: I really love being at home. I love wearing my daggy clothes and not having … more
Engaging with Barth by Gordon Cheng (8 comments). Many years ago (correction: many, many years ago), I thought it would do my soul some good to enrol in a … more
The five-word antidote to grumbling by Tony Payne (24 comments). This story has been passed onto me second- or third- or possibly fifth-hand. Who knows how accurate the details are, or … more
Comfort in good times and bad by Lionel Windsor (5 comments). Sometimes we all need a little bit of comfort. Comfort comes in all shapes and sizes for different people. Where do … more
Tony Payne
Tony is the Publishing Director at Matthias Media; editor of The Briefing; author of Islam in our Backyard, Fatherhood and numerous other Matthias Media resources; husband to Ali; father of five teenagers; and an avid consumer of books and almost any televised sport.
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“where Bible writers fears to tread, the Roman Catholic church is unwise to rush in.”
I suppose we could easily replace “Roman Catholic church” in that sentence to any one or any group, if indeed we are to acknowledge “Sola Scriptura” in matters of faith.
Other than that, although I am still finding hard to think that it was really Samuel that was invoked, your explanation on those verses makes a whole lot of sense to me. Whether Samuel was really present then and there or not, one thing clear to me is that the word of God was present through that unlikely mean, and was effective.
Tim,
I think your first para hits the nail on the head, if I have understood it correctly.
My understanding is that the Scriptures, as orginally given, are infallible and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. I understand that therefore there are some things that the bible doesn’t address completely and it is pointless trying to get it to do what it isn’t supposed to do.
It seems to me that this issue does not fall into the scope of “faith and conduct”.
Have I missed the point?
Bummer.
I was under the assumption that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. [2 Corinthians 5:8]
Would people in the presence of Christ be able to sleep? [I know the disciples did pre-cross, resurrection and Pentecost, but after?]
I don’t know if we will sleep when we arrive, David. Too much light!
Greg,
That first paragraph of mine was more of a passing comment, as to remind myself (and others I suppose) to be careful when dealing with issues like this one. We’re all susceptible to the error of making hard lines on the issues that the Bible does not.
Nevertheless, I don’t think thinking about this issue is always pointless. Although the Bible doesn’t give us a crystal clear picture of what happens during the time of death and the time of Lord’s return, nevertheless, it does address it to some degree. It is the Biblically-thorough thinking that will help guard us from making such errors like Roman Catholics, or some other “evangelicals” who have made up their minds up on this issue too strongly one way or the other.
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