Week 41 - letters by James, Peter, John and Jude

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about a selection of letters in the New Testament from early church leaders.

The first followers of Jesus were suffering as they spread the news of God’s coming kingdom. They were not being equipped for armed struggle but to develop and mature in Christ-like character while overflowing with his Spirit and love.

From a distance, this sounds like something which can be calmly analysed to figure out how it works. But from the first Christians’ perspective, they were constantly learning from experience and having to work out what was happening, what was effective and helpful in their lives, and what to expect from God next.

The way they were learning, as well as the change they wanted to see in the world, might explain why these writers emphasised putting faith into practice.

Trying to turn their encouragements into laws, doctrines and rules might be harder to achieve than we think, however - some of the most prominent reforming theologians like Martin Luther and John Calvin made strenuous efforts, but were all their conclusions faithful to these writers’ intentions? If not, how can we know any better? And when we disagree among ourselves about things like this, is there any chance we can do this helpfully and lovingly?

In the next part of our boxset, we begin hearing from Jeremiah, one of the major prophets who brought word of how unfaithful God’s people had been, but also hope for a better future. Listen along at your own pace at severnvineyard.org/bible.