Is Jesus death penal?

(This is the second in a series of posts exploring penal substitutionary atonement. The first, on substitution, is here: https://jotsandscribbles.blog/2025/08/23/is-jesus-death-substitutionary/) In my first post, I argued that Jesus' death can (and must) be understood as in some sense substitutionary, and not merely representative. He died in our place so we don't have to. He is … Continue reading Is Jesus death penal? →

Is Jesus death substitutionary?

On various online platforms there have been debates about Penal Substitutionary Atonement. Debates about this account of what Jesus' death achieves are nothing new. John Stott's "The Cross of Christ" is still the book I'd recommend anyone wanting to see the different ways the Bible describes Jesus' death for us. In this blogpost, I want … Continue reading Is Jesus death substitutionary? →

Proposal for encouraging part time pastors

It is very common in UK churches now and for many centuries past to expect a church to have a single full time pastor (paid elder/ vicar/ minister). There are good reasons for this, but in this post I suggest that there would be significant gains to moving to a model where pastors work part … Continue reading Proposal for encouraging part time pastors →

Chrysostom on why ordinary Christians need to read the Bible even more than monks

(This is why reading church history makes you Protestant!) I always entreat you, and do not cease entreating you, not only to pay attention here to what I say, but also when you are at home, to persevere continually in reading he divine Scriptures... Do not let anyone say to me those vain words, worthy … Continue reading Chrysostom on why ordinary Christians need to read the Bible even more than monks →

Do we have to leave wisdom aside to fully follow Jesus?

"Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 8:11. Wisdom in Proverbs is the thing to be gained above everything else. And that makes sense in everyday life. People who are wise- with work, with money, with words, with family relationships, with home, with friends- generally have better lives. To have other … Continue reading Do we have to leave wisdom aside to fully follow Jesus? →

Benedict’s Rule and the modern Christian

https://jotsandscribbles.blog/2024/06/21/reflections-on-the-rule-of-saint-benedict/ Last year I enjoyed reading The Rule of Saint Benedict. A friend asked whether we could be shaped more by this ancient wisdom today. So here are some random reflections on that theme. Things we could learn One of the strengths of the Benedictine Rule is that life has set rhythms. This is a … Continue reading Benedict’s Rule and the modern Christian →

Problems with leadership pathways

One of the themes in the Old Testament prophets is that the leaders of Israel (Prophets, priests and kings) have failed. I thought, ‘These are only the poor; they are foolish,for they do not know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God.5 So I will go to the leaders and speak to them;surely they know the way … Continue reading Problems with leadership pathways →

The Old makes the New Clear

There are many debates about the meaning of words and events in the New Testament. What does the cross of Christ achieve, and is substitutionary and penal? Is it helpful to speak of sin as rebellion against God? What exactly is grace? And many other debates. In 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', the … Continue reading The Old makes the New Clear →

What matters in a marriage partner

Earlier this year, we ran some marriage seminars at church. The first session had the headline- marriage is about serving God. If you think that is odd, it may be worth remembering that singleness is also about serving God. In fact from a Christian perspective, any way of life that is not about serving God … Continue reading What matters in a marriage partner →