Teaching

WHAT’S THE BEST ENGLISH BIBLE TRANSLATION?

Jim McClure(October 13, 2016) Dr Jim McClure, esteemed theologian, responds to the following often asked question…

‘Can you please tell me which is the best English version of the Bible?  A friend told me that the best is the KJV (King James Version), but I find it difficult to read.  Is it okay if I read a more modern version?’

Firstly, all the earliest manuscripts we have today are copies of the originals – we do not have one original handwritten copy – or even a small portion – of any of the books of the Old or New Testaments.  (more…)

WORDS OF LIFE (#2) – MERCY

Jim McClure
(September 17 , 2016) Dr Jim McClure, respected theologian, continues his series on some scripture words…

The Hebrew and Greek words of scripture are like inexhaustible mines and one finds new treasures each time the words are examined. This month, for number 2 in this series, I have selected ‘mercy’ and sought to open up this word up to reveal just some of the amazing truths and treasures it contains.

The Quality of Mercy – racham
In the Old Testament, especially in the KJV, the word ‘mercy’ is frequently used to translate the Hebrew word, chesed.  We could define chesed as the sure and steadfast covenant love of God for his people (however this is a word that we shall explore more full in a later study).  ‘Mercy,’ therefore is a most inadequate translation of chesed. (more…)

CHRISTIAN TROGLODYTES?

Jim McClure(September 12, 2016) Dr Jim McClure, esteemed theologian, shares on a current issue…

Green Senator, Janet Rice, on an ABC radio programme called me a troglodyte. Not specifically me, of course, but all who hold my conviction that marriage is between a man and a woman.

What is a troglodyte? One dictionary gives this definition:
1. Prehistoric cave dweller
2. Person of degraded, primitive, or brutal character
3. Person living in seclusion
4. Person unacquainted with affairs of the world
5. Animal living underground.

The reason behind such vitriol is not only to challenge any and all disagreement of homosexual relationships and lifestyles, but particularly to silence all opposing views and values. (more…)

MARRIAGES ARE MADE IN HEAVEN?

Jim McClureAugust 23, 2016 – Dr Jim McClure, well-known theologian, is highly appreciated for his biblical insights and explanations of scripture. Here he shares a personal note regarding his timely new book.

I do not know who first made the comment, ‘Marriages are made in heaven,’ but that person was wrong – totally and stupefyingly wrong!  (more…)

WORDS OF LIFE (#1) – SALVATION

Jim McClureAugust 5, 2016 – Dr Jim McClure, noted theologian, begins a series on some scripture words…

The Hebrew and Greek words of scripture are like inexhaustible mines and one finds new treasures each time the words are examined. 

I have selected just a few words from the Old and New Testaments and have sought to open them up to reveal just some of the amazing truths they contain. Firstly – salvation… (more…)

WHAT IS THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN? (July 27, 2016)

Jim McClureDr Jim McClure, noted theologian, brings a biblical answer of hope to troubled souls…

At times I get theological questions from troubled people. Recently someone opened up to share a deep concern:  ‘I’ve been told that there is an unforgivable sin. Does the Bible really say that, and, if it does, how do I know whether or not I have committed it?’

Actually a number of people, even searching non-Christians, have poised this question over the years gives. And it gives rise to another question – ‘Is it possible to commit such a big sin or so many sins that we can go beyond the point where we can be saved?’ (more…)

UNDERSTANDING ‘DAYS’ AND INTERPRETING DATA (July 15, 2016)

Jim McClureDr Jim McClure, noted theologian, shares on a current issue…

Let me preface what I am going to write with this statement: I am a creationist!

I believe God created the heavens and the earth. I believe that God created humankind as a unique being and that Adam’s ancestors were not tree-swinging monkeys! I also believe in the divine authority of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Having got that out of the way, we turn now to the substance of what I want to say.

In a recent article, The Genesis Crisis by Cameron Buettel, the writer argues from two premises: first that the earth is only 6000 years old, and secondly, that each of the six days of creation mentioned in Genesis 1:1 – 2:2, referred to 24 hours.  (more…)

BETRAYAL OF GOD (June 16, 2016)

Jim McClure
Dr Jim McClure, noted theologian, challenges …

‘Be careful that nobody spoils your faith through intellectualism or high-sounding nonsense. Such stuff is at best founded on men’s ideas of the nature of the world and disregards Christ!’ (Colossians 2:8 JBP).

The Church of Scotland’s General Assembly recently voted to allow ministers to be in same-sex ‘marriages.’

Surrendering to political correctness pressure
Once a bastion of righteousness and biblical integrity, the Church of Scotland has surrendered – as other churches have – to the pressure of contemporary political correctness and has chosen to compromise its integrity for the sake of not appearing to be out of step with current trends. (more…)

WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD? (June 2, 2016)

Jim McClure
Dr Jim McClure, noted theologian, calls for a Christian counterculture in today’s crazy world…

What a wonderful world this could be! There are many things for which we can be grateful, so many benefits that we can enjoy as we live in the 21st century. But …there is also a darker side!

How things have changed in recent decades! In today’s topsy-turvy world solid moral values, which have stood the test of time, have been turned upside-down. In the name of political correctness decency, sound ethics, common sense and free speech have been sacrificed.

Consequently a spirit of depravity, deceit, confusion and misrepresentation has been sweeping through the world. (more…)

BURIAL OR CREMATION – WHICH IS RIGHT? (May 20, 2016)

Jim McClureDr Jim McClure, noted theologian, considers a touchy (to some) choice…

What a sombre topic!

I have just returned from a funeral and listened again to the familiar scriptural words that are frequently quoted at a Christian funeral.

During the service I thought of a question I was asked a few weeks ago about the rightness of burial over cremation. Eventually we will all be confronted by this choice concerning loved ones.

Arguments in favour of burial
There are many Christians who would adamantly assert that burial is unquestionably the correct way to dispose of a body. (more…)