Chalmers' Blog

Love Your Church…

Covid has been a problem throughout the world for a whole variety of reasons. But it has also been a problem for many Christians for a very specific reason, for some, covid has robbed church members of their understanding of what church is. It is heartbreaking to see people who were previously active in the church, to now be turning away from their faith. It is heartbreaking to see people lose their vision and understanding of what the church is and does. So please, please, pick up this book!

Faithful Leaders…

There are so many books out there on the topic of church leadership. Most of the are written by men who’ve been in ministry for years and they want to pass on the baton. in a way, Rico does that with this book. He draws on his own vast experience of ministry to help the reader think about how to be a faithful leader.

Saturday Snippets (June 26)

As well as reading a lot of books, I also read a ton of articles every week. Here are some of the articles that I’ve read recently and have found interesting, helpful, challenging and encouraging. I hope that they will be the same for you, my dear readers…

Suffering Is Painful, But…

I’ve spent this week writing a sermon on Job 1. I planned the series in Job at the beginning of the year and have been in preparation for it for years. Maybe you’re like me; at times it can feel as if our lives are all preparation for preaching a sermon on Job. We all suffer. We all hurt. But it is only after extended periods of pain, and a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit that we can say with Job “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21b ESV).

A Greater Glory

Football is on many people’s minds at the moment because of Euro2020. What better book to review during this time than that of a man who spent 18 years of his life as a professional footballer?!

Pocket Guide To Humanity

The ‘A Christian’s Pocket Guide To…‘ is a good little series. This short series is designed to give you an introduction to a whole host of issues, ranging from theological and biblical studies to pastoral and practical theology. Normally I’m a bit fan, but not so much with this one…

Saturday Snippets (June 19)

ESV Search the Scriptures Bible

It’s not very often that I get to review a Bible, but I’m excited to be able to do so today. The ESV has been my go-to translation for years. I like the attention to the original languages that it gives whilst also maintaining a relatively easy to read translation of God’s Word. Therefore, I was excited to receive a review copy of the new ‘ESV Search the Scriptures Bible’.

I’m going to say from the outset; I like this Bible. The cover is a simple and sleek white and gold contrast with a cool crossword design that catches the eye. Inside the Bible, the fun continues. Each book has a short introduction and an analysis of the book itself. The introductions to the books are helpful; outlining some of the big theological or literary discussions about the books. For example, the introduction to the book of Joel describes the differences in opinions around the dating the book. This is helpful because it keeps you up to date with the recent scholarly discussions about each book of the Bible. But the information is only a brief introduction, so you’re not being dragged into lengthy discussions on dates and debates.

But the main feature of this Bible, after all that’s what it’s marketed on, is the ‘Search the Scripture’ element of it. This Bible comes with a reading plan that will take you 3 years to complete. After each short section of reading come a series of short questions designed to get your head into the text and to help you apply it. These questions are great because they don’t put words in your mouth but they helpfully get you wrestling directly with the text of the Bible. In addition to helpful questions, there are also some notes that accompany the readings. These notes are not extensive, but designed to help you understand crucial points of the text and to help you think about the text’s implication for your life.

I think that this could be a helpful Bible for those starting out in the Christian Life and who are trying to learn what having a quiet time / Bible study looks like. You can buy a copy of the Bible here. I’d really like to hear your thoughts if you buy a copy. I really enjoyed it, but I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

*** I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. This does not change the way I rate the book, my views are my own. ***

Saturday Snippets (June 12)

Don’t Hide Behind A Stiff Upper Lip

“I’m fine” We’ve all said it, even when it’s as far from the truth as possible. “I’m fine” We’ve said it even though we’ve just balled our eyes out in secret. “I’m fine” It’s a coping mechanism that portrays an image of strength, but in reality it’s a mask that hides the crumbling emotional life of a broken soul. Maybe you’re like me, growing up in the UK it’s expected that people keep a stiff upper lip. Emotions can often be spoken about in negative terms. Sadly, it’s not much different in the church.