News and Views

It's some time since I gave an update on what I've been doing. The first year of Bible college finished in May, and I wondered how I'd fill the next four months. It wasn't too hard. We spent a week in Cumbria in our last holiday as the 'Steele 6'. A wonderful, relaxing week staying in an old chapel by a stream. What a blessing family is! We couldn't have asked for a better time.

After two weeks teaching English, I entered into the mad pre-wedding preparations for my sister Naomi. She and Ben Clayfield were married on August 1st - the most special and memorable of days.

Aside from a week working in a Christian bookshop and another week on a Christian camp in windy North Wales, I've occupied myself in various ways at home and at the school/business. Now here I am back at college and anticipating a challenging and changing 2nd year. Let me close with an interesting point mentioned by a lecturer today. Any feedback thoughts on this would be good to hear.

He was saying how church history has simply repeated itself. The heresies of today could be avoided with closer examination of what has gone before. For example, the Jehovah's Witnesses took a seemingly commendable position that "we must only study the Bible" and therefore forget all past theological learning. So we find in their heretical theology a repeat of the Arian controversy (surrounding the deity of Christ) centuries earlier.

It had already been discussed and a conclusion pretty much universally reached, yet the JW's chose to discard it. This 'Bible only' position inevitably leads to the danger of self-interpretation: putting your own take on the text above centuries of consistent interpretation in the church.

We like people who have a fresh approach, but there is a danger of pushing aside the established doctrines of the church for something which "itching ears want to hear." God's Word is living and active, but it has never changed in meaning or application. Discuss!

Year of Grace

I've not reviewed a music album before. Year of Grace by Robin Mark deserves a mention. Remember These are the days of Elijah and You're the Lion of Judah? In his latest album, Robin Mark has recaptured that prophetic and biblical force in the lyrics with a fresh and memorable sound.

The first song Lift up His name exalts God and revels in His greatness. Watchman with its lovely lilting Irish melodies displays the range of musical talents and reminds us that "in Him even the darkness is light." There is None Like You is a beautifully simple worship song speaking of the love and mercy of God in a difficult world.

In this live recording, worship leader Robin Mark prays and quotes Scripture, encouraging a response within our hearts and lives. All is well is a prayer of trust in God- whom we may not be able to see, but who is clearly in control and knows our deepest hurts and fears. Other highlights are Glory to Your Name, the cover song Year of Grace and a personal favourite Highly Exalted which is a glorious anthem of praise in response to Jesus' humility in death.

This album speaks pertinently into today's culture, whilst reminding us to keep our eyes on the one who is "Mercy and Beauty and Grace" - Jesus Christ the only Saviour.