tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56368005736013744532011-12-02T09:11:33.223ZTim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.comBlogger881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-63784041600049187252011-12-02T09:04:00.002Z2011-12-02T09:11:33.372Z

What do you say about yourself? - It's the question the world wants us to be able to answer with pride and confidence. Common answers include: I'm in control of my life; I'm free and no one can say otherwise; I'm a winner; I'm in charge of my destiny. "Speak positive talk and don't let anyone say otherwise," we're told.John the Baptist took a very different view. He could've claimed to be the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-64775519617223519762011-11-08T21:04:00.005Z2011-11-08T22:16:28.924Z

Spotted this gem of a quote on the 'Desiring God' website.Dietrich Bonhoeffer says:Revival of church life always brings in its train a richer understanding of the Scriptures. Behind all the slogans and catchwords of ecclesiastical controversy, necessary though they are, there arises a more determined quest for him who is the sole object of it all, for Jesus Christ himself.What did Jesus mean to

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-61607058650034148202011-10-17T11:52:00.002+01:002011-10-17T12:39:06.111+01:00

The sin of the people of Israel was a stench to God. They'd made the golden calf even as their Redeemer was cutting a covenant into stone to bind them to Him. In effect, they'd slept with a prostitute on the night before their marriage. The LORD lets them know how serious this really is.First He strikes them with a plague. Then in chapter 33, He makes the gravity of the situation plain to Israel.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-91601600085438682872011-08-28T23:28:00.004+01:002011-08-29T23:34:22.845+01:00

Imagine if you were sitting in an aeroplane on a long-haul flight, and you hear an announcement from the pilot, “I have found the flight plan.” Firstly, you’d wonder how for so long no one had noticed this vital information was missing. Then, I think you’d be fairly keen to know that the flight was now on that right path! Now jump to the Bible and the people of Israel in 2 Kings 22. The ‘people

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-90283321942292834582011-08-10T15:48:00.002+01:002011-08-10T15:50:53.427+01:00

This is a nice quirky video questioning some of the assumptions evolutionists make.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-72569542921219646472011-07-28T16:21:00.006+01:002011-07-28T16:41:15.472+01:00

"The missionary call is not like a prison dog that tracks us down, sniffs us out, and hog-ties us for the nations. That is silly-talk and really bad theology. Nowhere in Scripture is a mysterious (supernatural) call a prerequisite before we can respond to the Great Commission. The opposite is actually true."- David Platt, 'Don't Complicate the Missionary Call' - Check out the link to read the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-17296424997713318552011-07-12T14:03:00.004+01:002011-08-07T23:58:51.377+01:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-8560610568336541072011-06-16T14:35:00.003+01:002011-06-16T15:15:11.579+01:00

Jesus helps us with our theology of suffering. The Bible has shown that suffering is something we cannot escape as evidenced by God’s words to Eve (Genesis 3:16) and in the lives of Job and Paul. We must understand the limits of our answers on suffering, but the presence of our loving, suffering and redeeming God is the best answer by far. He provides a clear example of how to respond to those

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-55304678046497672722011-06-09T21:25:00.002+01:002011-06-09T21:40:44.714+01:00

The BBC's report into a care home near Bristol has 'horrified' and 'sickened' people across the country. Even those paid as 'specialist' carers for people with disabilities have, in this case, failed abysmally. Hopefully, this will be a wake-up call to people across the country to reach out with more love and support for the huge but largely disregarded section of our society. Thankfully the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-8296304682287914462011-03-31T16:34:00.004+01:002011-03-31T16:46:06.114+01:00

The One Who Lost EverythingThe book of Job talks about a man whose livelihood was taken away, his crops were destroyed, his animals killed and all his children died.His friends gave no comfort and Job cried out to God from his misery, asking why God would allow him to suffer like this. Finally, God answers … by asking hundreds of questions Himself – seeing if Job knows about the great mysteries

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-86253971971457401352011-01-25T21:15:00.002Z2011-01-25T22:05:28.484Z

Taking a precise Bible translation and paraphrasing it has proved a useful exercise. So often the glorious truths of Scripture become familiar and their impact lessens. The following Psalm may not provide you with an accurate or complete picture, but working through it certainly made the astounding deliverance of my God more vivid and real. So...Say a massive thank you to Yahweh,because He's so

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-49189454307341762202011-01-08T12:14:00.006Z2011-01-25T22:06:50.521Z

I read a stack of books - mostly worthwhile - last year. Here's the cream of the crop. Fiction first.The Bronze LadderOn my trip to Tunisia I came across a book called "The Bronze Ladder" based on the story of the Christian martyrs Perpetua and Blandina. Perpetua's prison diary was a fascinating discovery, unveiling previously unknown experiences of the Christian community in North Africa. Malcom

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-1478151491705654212010-12-27T19:07:00.006Z2011-01-02T16:03:14.918Z

If 2010 were the whole of our life, could we say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness"? My guess is that there are people who can give three different answers to that question.•One will say, "I fought no fight because I felt no great desire to follow Christ's counsel and trust his

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-10022677122923680972010-05-10T15:33:00.000+01:002010-05-10T15:34:34.876+01:00

We’ve heard the strengths of preterism. Now what are the weaknesses of this view? Let’s start with the identification of Rome with the beast of Daniel 7. It must then be regarded as the object of final judgment. But wait a minute, didn’t they say apostate Israel was the main nation to receive judgment. There’s no basis for exchanging Rome with Israel only at this point, nor for limiting judgment

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-33882509178322204492010-05-10T13:46:00.004+01:002010-05-10T13:49:55.960+01:00

The preterist approach is the first under the spotlight. It’s popular and scholarly, but is it right! First an introduction. Preterism considers the majority of events in Revelation to have happened in the distant past. So every day, we’re getting further from what went on. “Full” preterism places the entire book in the prophecy-fulfilled box. This means denying Jesus’ future bodily return;

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-83917727095196718882010-05-10T13:46:00.001+01:002010-05-10T13:46:39.132+01:00

Well, it’s been quite some time since I wrote here. Been a busy year so far and every idea to write seems to get squashed before it reaches the page. Now I’m in the middle of revision and so I’m going to post up some bits and pieces which relate. Apologies in advance for the lack of originality, though I suppose that could be considered a good thing. Hopefully, I can make my language a bit more

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-33240179582344869922009-12-16T12:48:00.001Z2009-12-16T12:50:45.541Z

Some thoughts from the book of Ruth. Just as Ruth was a Gentile outside of the covenant of the promise so were we. As it says in Ephesians 2:12 – at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-18252350357587654402009-11-15T19:07:00.003Z2009-11-15T19:25:27.186Z

Here's a couple of great websites. The first has a lot of really thought-provoking material including this article on the significance of the words we use in congregational worship: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2009/11/04/why-so-many-words-in-worship/. I've recently discovered this site and its resources section with hundreds of free sermons by speakers including D.A. Carson,

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-10571303776066556882009-11-14T17:45:00.002Z2009-11-14T17:49:30.959Z

Charles Spurgeon has a timely word for those who minimise the value of what God has revealed to others by seeking their own unique interpretation of the Word of God: "It seems odd, that certain men who talk so much of what the Holy Spirit reveals to themselves, should think so little of what He has revealed to others.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-49638149353891595182009-10-15T12:31:00.003+01:002009-10-17T12:12:54.218+01:00

I heard a strange voice behind me. Two ladies were backing a wheelchair out of a car. Then the person sitting turned around. I shivered from the shock of what I saw. His (or her) face was all red and purple patches, but what was more memorable was the shape of his head. It was hugely deformed like nothing I'd ever seen before. I went into Tesco and tried to get on with my shopping but couldn't

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-75997120322079627002009-09-15T17:38:00.005+01:002009-09-15T18:26:30.443+01:00

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

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-85158400574670189652009-09-05T22:01:00.007+01:002009-09-09T14:44:20.235+01:00

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

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-64934231118163169232009-08-19T16:33:00.002+01:002009-08-19T16:39:18.309+01:00

This is something I've been meaning to blog on. Mature people are ones who can receive correction. Josh Harris says it far better than I would, so take a look at this video clip, let down your guard and allow God to speak.Learning To Love Correction from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-28110558212068069612009-07-01T17:34:00.003+01:002009-07-01T17:36:34.338+01:00

Hi all. I'm busy on a summer school teaching English so not able to post much. I'd just like to point attention to a brilliant article I just read here. The site is worth a browse around too. But the question, "Am I easily edified?" is an important one to ask. Also please pray for me in quite a secular environment with lots of opportunities to be a witness. Thanks.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-20826124736469927682009-06-22T21:42:00.002+01:002009-06-22T21:50:21.778+01:00

Crucial for a correct, orthodox understanding of the doctrine of creation is the principle ex nihilo, meaning 'out of nothing.' It shows that creation isn't eternal. Matter has not always existed and only came to be when, “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) The Bible is clear where everything came from: God. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made” (

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-89205586115817524412009-06-18T21:54:00.003+01:002009-06-18T22:11:08.235+01:00

I can't go any longer without giving a much-deserved recommendation of 'Fireproof' - a film that has made a tremendous impact on U.S. marriages. In a time when most films devalue marriage or simply feature everything up to the wedding day, this is a welcome contribution. A film that portrays marriage as it truly is: a challenge in need of perseverance and the grace of God.Here is the quick

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-53977838392309073532009-06-17T21:37:00.000+01:002009-06-17T22:14:09.551+01:00

Sorry anyone who reads this for the inactivity. My first year at Wales Evangelical School of Theology is finished. The last few weeks with exams and essay deadlines were a bit of a blur, but I've had time to step back and consider the great blessing of the year.I'm writing on the back of a week at a conference listening to Wayne Grudem, professor at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona and a widely

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-27074941338211817402009-05-06T15:03:00.002+01:002009-05-06T15:18:06.555+01:00

So, I haven't written for a while. Mainly because I'm in the middle of exams and I'm spending quite a lot of time revising. Here then is an ad for some brilliant summer lectures in my college open to anyone (though not free!).Topics to be addressed include: church issues, preaching, evangelism, doctrine of scripture, church planting and pauline theology.Speakers include: Wayne Grudem, Roger

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-45719423635243844542009-04-23T16:57:00.003+01:002009-04-23T17:02:37.571+01:00

Since studying here at Bible college involves a lot of essay writing, I thought it would be an idea to give people a chance to see some of what I've written. They're far too long and detailed to post on the blog, so I've put links to them on the sidebar. They're a bit messy with all the footnotes, but hopefully of some interest. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions/suggestions you

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-84387359780628839522009-04-19T18:00:00.003+01:002009-04-19T18:28:17.325+01:00

I asked the question, "Who controls the meaning?" in the last post. People are often encouraged today to approach literature with the view that the reader and not the author determines what a text means. Since the author is no longer active, the text and the reader are the only participators.The example is given of a love poem a lady receives from her boyfriend. As you'd expect, she reads it

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-14637178954376365632009-04-17T22:35:00.003+01:002009-04-17T23:02:48.412+01:00

I've been doing some reading for an assignment in 'Reading Skills for Exegesis'. That basically means learning how to properly interpret the Bible and apply it today. One question asked in our core reading 'Grasping God's Word' was: Who controls the meaning?It's easy to approach the Bible with a what-does-it-mean-for-me attitude. 'For me' is not irrelevant but should not guide our reading of the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-39542179208045465862009-03-04T12:34:00.003Z2009-03-04T12:53:55.094Z

Perhaps some of you have heard stories from the bush fires in Australia.For Kate, the experience was painful and difficult to swallow. She and her family suddenly saw the fires sweep over the hill. They jumped in the car. Fire closed in all around so they headed for the lake. They swam to a raft in the water ready with blankets for when the smoke and fire came.Then in the distance through the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-69199261816817174342009-02-13T17:26:00.003Z2009-02-13T18:11:58.560Z

You've probably heard this story before. A five year old girl was asked by another child how a person could go to hell, and answered, "By not not believing in Jesus." She was told off by her teacher and the head teacher said to her mother (a member of staff) that he wasn't happy with her daughter's comments. To read the full story click here.Archbishop John Sentamu says, of Mrs Cain’s case and

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-74579596427465956312009-02-08T14:06:00.002Z2009-02-08T14:24:55.361Z

I was thinking the other day about wanting to see God. Things in my life seem to cloud my vision: whether it's all those books with a myriad of opinions, the hunger for feelings and experience of God that is too easily gratified, or the question why am I here right now - what for - what to do... I wrote this short poem. It's called Forest of DistractionCaught in contentment, complacency,

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-63430042187362202822009-01-21T22:18:00.006Z2009-01-22T16:40:11.410Z

I know it's not Christmas but this video is good.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-67441273013395084902009-01-15T10:01:00.004Z2009-01-17T13:32:49.279Z

I started my ministry placement last week. I'm doing it in my old school, The School of the Lion. Really enjoying it and I think God is confirming something of his calling on my life. Christian education is a vision I believe really needs promoting. That is the focus of my time here though I'm also helping with some lessons. The other day one of the children was reading from his workbook to me

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-25091688233892155482009-01-06T21:53:00.003Z2009-01-06T22:35:24.646Z

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.1 John 3:1 here blows us away with the love of Father God. We have been adopted into his family. In Philippians 2, Paul asks the believers to make his joy complete "by being like-minded, having the same love,

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-8094299963403399202009-01-05T17:49:00.001Z2009-01-06T15:48:56.588Z

A man was building a house. There was no doubt that he was an expert. The ground was rough, but he painstakingly removed the weeds and stones. Then he prepared the ground until it was perfectly smooth. He measured it – the level was straight, the ground was ready. He laid the foundation with care and precision, until it was solid and unshakeable. The man went to select some bricks. Strangely,

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-40562144352527327112008-12-24T21:50:00.005Z2008-12-26T12:06:38.894Z

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."This is the truth of

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-33200704456433798302008-12-23T13:04:00.004Z2008-12-23T14:54:14.722Z

Following on from the last post, the sacredness of marriage expressed in the Bible is directly applied to the church. Paul says in Ephesians 5, “Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... so that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” and “as the church

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-58294526152705967532008-12-20T23:25:00.001Z2008-12-20T23:25:55.819Z

“I'm not losing a daughter, I'm gaining a son,” said the bride's father. I was at the wedding of my friend in Uganda and the bride's father was giving his daughter to the family of the bridegroom as is the custom. She was not simply marrying the man but becoming part of a new family. I fought back tears – this was a special moment. The significance of what her father said could only be seen in

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-3634536090994495082008-12-16T22:19:00.004Z2008-12-16T22:28:09.092Z

I think it'd be nice for some to know what I have been doing since September. Three months ago, I really didn't know what I was letting myself in for. Was I going to sink in a mire of theological terms, philosophical arguments and unsuccessful attempts at cooking? Crucially, with all this learning about God, was I actually going to get to know him better?Thankfully, the answer to that last

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-60263858397775899052008-12-12T16:12:00.004Z2008-12-21T22:34:08.039Z

So it's the end of term. Exams finished; weeks of study over. I'm happy. Actually, I've rarely felt so exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. And I haven't even got any feedback as to results. To anyone reading this blog who, in the back of your mind, has thoughts of attending Bible college: don't suppress them! Do it! I've been pleasantly surprised, incredibly stretched and if iron sharpens

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-27407991453982693352008-11-30T21:38:00.002Z2008-11-30T22:05:45.799Z

I've been greatly challenged by the vital need for prayer. I suppose prayer can be seen as just speaking. But I've been discovering that it involves so much more. It is communion with our heavenly Father. This happens through meditating on His Word, praising Him in songs and declarations, waiting in His presence, telling Him the desires of my heart (desires for others and for me) and much more!

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-71028403331283046702008-11-24T12:25:00.002Z2008-11-24T13:15:04.062Z

Recently, I've been especially concerned by the plight of many believers suffering intense persecution. I'm aware of how feeble my prayers are for them. In 1 Corinthians 12, it talks about the body of Christ. We don't neglect or forget any member. And 'if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.'All across the world, my brothers and sisters are suffering for their faith. They dare to confess

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-50216084430777993592008-11-13T11:43:00.002Z2008-11-13T11:45:41.309Z

Important though preaching and discussion and prayer groups were in Baxter's ministry, it was personal catechizing that was central to his desire to reach those for whom Jesus died. Everything else was dependent on this 'laying of the foundation skilfully'.1 The practice was not complex, but was nevertheless extremely demanding of the pastor. In Kidderminster, there were 800 families across the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-53653773823834161552008-11-11T19:44:00.002Z2008-11-11T20:10:59.215Z

Bible college isn't a happy sabbatical for my brain. It's a bit of a washing machine experience - me, a load of doctrines, truths, presuppositions and a few lies thrown in together. The question is what will drain away and what will remain. That's not just a 'Bible college experience' - it's part of Christian living. It says in 1 John 2v24: "See that what you have heard from the beginning remains

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-47280308671727635772008-11-03T21:52:00.004Z2008-11-03T22:00:00.029Z

I'm not much of a powerhouse as far as blogging is concerned. I'll try to do better! In the meantime, here's some of my essay on Richard Baxter's life, ministry and relevance today:Richard Baxter was born in 1615 in Rowton, a village in Shropshire, England. He lived with his grandparents until he was ten years old when he went home to his parents. The education he received was generally very

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-32155107122616538142008-10-15T22:10:00.002+01:002008-10-15T22:28:19.814+01:00

Here's some thoughts on the Bible that have come up while I've been studying the inerrancy of Scripture (that is the question of whether or not the Bible is entirely/utterly truthful - I think it is).I believe I would pay more attention if God spoke audibly to me or through a prophet than through the words of Scripture. I'd probably be more likely to obey those words. This is not an

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-5370330919912655962008-10-04T19:22:00.002+01:002008-10-04T19:43:08.310+01:00

First let me share this brilliant hymn with you. In morning devotions we learnt from 1 Peter 2v4-11 how we are a 'chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.' Basically we (Christians) are strangers here on earth. And the world should see that! Anyway here's the hymn.Jesus I my cross have taken,All to leave and follow you:Son of man, despised, forsaken,Lord of all

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-86610304728695454122008-09-28T21:47:00.002+01:002008-09-28T22:00:23.495+01:00

I've just read an interesting couple of articles to do with the Lakeland outpouring controversy. I though I'd include these links because they give very balanced, gracious and repentant insights to a painful situation (which I've been genuinely confused by!)The first is from Dutch Sheets and is well worth reading (particularly the 'Bigger Picture' section: http://www.dutchsheets.org/index.cfm/

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-83401490594972668652008-09-28T21:27:00.002+01:002008-09-28T21:47:39.323+01:00

I was suffering from Leviticus the other day. Not wanting to read that strange and messy book that God put in the Bible. But skipping books of the Bible is just immature so I laboured on asking the Holy Spirit for some spark, some revelation. The funny thing was that Proverbs and Luke were the same - dry, dull and not the joyful God-glorifying truth I'd read before.There's some good folk living

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-11866247936020190882008-09-19T21:36:00.002+01:002008-09-19T22:33:23.591+01:00

I can't believe it's already been two weeks. They've gone pretty quickly. God has been good. I haven't started to work hard yet, but I'm enjoying spending time with so many people who love God. Today I said goodbye to an American I got to know. He was telling me about his family and it was amazing to hear of God's grace in his life. His family were strongly Catholic (his grandfather even received

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-53054177428621646582008-09-05T18:01:00.006+01:002008-09-09T21:45:31.557+01:00

I'm back from Spain now. Back from Holland. Back from Uganda. Back to writing regularly again... I hope. It's been a good couple of months. A lot of re-adjusting. Now I'm writing from Wales Evangelical School of Theology in Bridgend where I'm likely to spend the next three years. I've found out that it rains constantly here so I'll need God's help to be positive as I'm used to more sunshine. It's

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-66430498824463698182008-06-14T00:45:00.002+01:002008-06-14T00:52:46.452+01:00

On the highest point overlooking townNavalmoral de la Mata

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-81192215010254512232008-06-14T00:13:00.003+01:002008-06-14T00:45:46.292+01:00

I'm getting real slack at writing. Once again, I'm tired, it's late and I'm not sure what to write. So I thought I'd briefly describe my job (which is going to end in two weeks time). I am a 'native English speaker' which means I pronounce everything perfectly and can be the absolute authority on complicated grammatical questions! If only I could be that confident. Instead the lot of an English

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-47212137649429232502008-05-23T12:43:00.011+01:002008-05-27T21:05:57.321+01:00

This is a funny essay by a ten year old."The cow is a mammal. It has six sides. Right, left, an upper and below. At the back it has a tail on which hangs a brush. With this it sends the flies away so that they do not fall into the milk. The head is for the purpose of growing horns and so that the mouth can be somewhere. The horns are to butt with and the mouth is to moo with... Under the cow

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-70296154031784321432008-05-19T19:49:00.021+01:002008-06-02T14:22:06.239+01:00

Here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks. Posting has been scarce so hopefully these pictures paint a thousand words. My birthday was fairly busy with classes, but my colleagues managed to squeeze in a birthday meal at the local Chinese restaurant. I found the dessert a bit much: cream and strawberries (I did eventually find some strawberries).So a week later the group from the School

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-24197684798484925542008-05-14T11:42:00.004+01:002008-05-14T12:00:36.213+01:00

Tomorrow a group from the School of the Lion arrives (including my parents and brother)! I'm very excited. It will be a great time as they will be taking part in the academy where I work and in the churches in Navalmoral and Badajoz. The weather has taken a turn for the better today, after a couple of weeks of a lot of rain. It's funny to hear how gorgeous and sunny it is back home while sitting

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-45659648445166928792008-05-08T21:36:00.006+01:002008-05-08T22:03:32.016+01:00

Some more photos from the party...My birthday celebrations started last Saturday... those of you who read the rock bun incident might be interested in the continuing story. I once again spent a considerable time preparing them determined that they'd turn out better than before. In the end - judging them by the compliments received - it was a success. Nevertheless, I shan't be repeating the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-83627241086952585752008-05-05T17:30:00.000+01:002008-05-05T20:51:45.288+01:00

Scarcely a day goes by without more news on the Fritzl cellar case. It is shocking, and the media have good reason to cover it. But I've had to ask myself a few questions as the controversy rumbles on. How much do I really need to know? I know the basic facts, so does my curiosity need to be further satisfied? I've found myself reading almost every new article on the BBC website and watching some

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-35341960579183744192008-04-28T19:49:00.000+01:002008-05-05T20:42:38.612+01:00

this one didn't make it into the newspaperRobben tussles with the Murcia leftbackfriends in MadridI'm getting a little behind with my updates. Earlier this month, I spent the weekend in Madrid for a 'retreat' in a church called Nueva Vida. People came from all parts of South America, from Romania and Italy. It's actually the biggest church in Madrid, though most members are not Spanish! On the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-75188121136444382572008-04-21T16:02:00.000+01:002008-04-21T16:20:12.694+01:00

Though the clouds may hide the sun, it’s always shiningAnd when the storms obscure Your face, You still are smilingHere we will have tribulationBut there is one thing that is certainYou never changeYou are always good and lovingMerciful in all Your dealingsShining like the sunRising up with healing in Your wingsWhen the floods are swirling round me, You are with meAnd when the flames rise all

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-1540202128821274822008-04-15T19:34:00.000+01:002008-04-15T20:28:13.542+01:00

A glimpse of what was to comeAll set for the match65,000 fansIncredibly, as I was planning to leave Madrid, the family with whom I was staying said that I should stay on a night. The reason: so I could go and watch Real Madrid. Now, I knew the tickets were dear - 100 euros each, but a man from the church gave two as a gift. I went with a Real Madrid fanatic, who somehow had never got to a match.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-3282442592660573542008-04-07T13:08:00.000+01:002008-04-08T08:43:18.537+01:00

I've been doing a bit of cleaning today. Not my favourite job, but my bedroom had become inhabitable. This is my dilemna with a king-sized bed and not much space anywhere else. However, there are two advantages to a bed like this. Firstly, I am able to double the time before changing sheets by sleeping for a week on one side and a week on the other. (The soaring temperatures in May/June, I'm sad

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-9790325395943787972008-04-04T09:36:00.000+01:002008-04-04T09:49:20.083+01:00

Los Mas ChiquititosAttentive as ever: class of 6 - 9yrswe can speak English! (a bit)the teenagers (pre-intermediate level)

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-78881805017668529552008-03-31T14:32:00.000+01:002008-03-31T15:22:27.392+01:00

It always surprises me how much things change in a relatively short time. Going back to England was a reminder. It was great to see friends and family, play games, play the piano, pray, sing, laugh and talk together. Precious moments. Actually the best thing was to understand everything. No embarrassingly long conversations at the shop till; no painstakingly slow questions, dictionary in hand -

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-16723347122805153252008-03-19T20:44:00.001Z2008-03-19T21:11:57.957Z

Well, not exactly yet, but I feel very pleased to be there over easter weekend. Hope to see 'algunos de vosotros' (some of you). I know I shouldn't talk about the weather, but today I realised that a cloudy day is when the sky isn't completely blue all day. And I still get funny looks when I say, "What a lovely day it is!" The spring is a wonderful time: the blossom on the trees, the pleasant

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-65168331928179628072008-03-17T21:15:00.000Z2008-03-19T21:12:49.194Z

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-38601558075139081692008-03-11T07:47:00.000Z2008-03-11T08:01:30.329Z

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-79110441257163012232008-03-10T14:05:00.000Z2008-03-11T21:43:08.799Z

This week has had its high points. Like eating a chocolate eclair and driving a Mercedes Benz. Mainly it's been quite difficult. Being in a different country is never going to be easy especially if there's a language barrier. But I've found the pressures of my job dominate my life at the moment. There are few people with whom I can really relax and 'chill'. So let me put the prayer requests up

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-34035697738199333602008-03-02T18:55:00.000Z2008-03-07T11:10:56.533Z

Some photos from up on the hill

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-60943037926519004702008-03-02T18:02:00.000Z2008-03-02T19:23:55.213Z

I'm enjoying the beauty of Spring here. Last week I climbed up one of the hills overlooking the town. It was so tranquil except for the occasional clanging of sheep's bells. I walked past a little stream and then through some olive groves. Finally on top of a rocky outcrop, I could look over the city and towards the mountains. I was thankful to be alive and be able to appreciate the beauty of

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-51511647208043752072008-02-18T15:51:00.000Z2008-02-18T17:49:22.062Z

The sardine feast in the plaza by my houseDinner with friends at the youth campLas montañasThe CarnivalWhere's the bear? In Madrid of course.With Paco and Vicente by the Puerta del SolStreet performer (mainly non-performer!)

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-43801967906789425012008-02-18T15:10:00.000Z2008-02-18T15:44:01.003Z

Thank you all for your prayers. Poco a poco (little by little) I'm learning the language. Some days I feel I've come a long way and other times - like this weekend - I wonder if I've learnt anything. I gather the weather in England has been very fine. Well, the grey skies here make me wonder where I am. It's been raining incessantly these last three days and I managed to forget my umbrella (it

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-63321781027401299842008-02-11T15:15:00.001Z2008-02-11T15:19:41.822Z

I can't believe it's been over a month now. The language is coming slowly for me but I've really known the grace of God to cope with limited communication. It reminds me of when God said to Moses – 'Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.' Lord teach us

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-44047197025776822552008-01-28T15:18:00.000Z2008-01-30T09:44:49.949Z

This hasn't been an easy week. I've been spending a lot of time preparing lessons and also writing down some necessary changes for the academy. If you happen to read this before this evening, please pray for my meeting with the lady I work for - that we'd make real progress. If I can make some things sufficiently clear for her, my job will be a lot easier!The weather has kept getting better here.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-15873073110592406372008-01-25T22:18:00.000Z2008-01-25T22:38:29.910Z

A typical street near my houseThe gypsy houses are unmistakableIn a Tapas bar with youth from church - all South AmericanMy local church!sub-zero temperatures here!The main church. Pretty bigA very effective scarecrow

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-72528279941056116562008-01-21T17:36:00.000Z2008-01-25T22:41:24.121Z

'You are good, always, always' are the words of a song I'm listening to and as simple as they are it is perhaps the most powerful thing a Christian can say. And we don't have to wear blinkers to say it. We can look at our circumstances and thank God that 'the testing of our faith develops perseverance.'Well, I've been here for a little over two weeks and experienced a number of quite new things.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-74962516119884161822008-01-14T20:50:00.003Z2008-01-21T17:35:33.565Z

Just got thereThe mountains just north of NavalmoralThe apartmentDad and Pako outside the 'Learning Centro de Idiomas'Inside the (unfinished!) language academy with VilmaIn the living room with Victor and his family (Columbians)At 'La Comunidad Cristiana', Badajoz with Willy and DeanaPretty fountain in Badajoz

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-90360107308645418402008-01-08T19:55:00.000Z2008-01-09T09:19:09.838Z

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Blessings to you all and thanks for your prayers. I arrived safely on Thursday with my dad . We had a great couple of days in Navalmoral de la Mata (henceforth 'Navalmoral') and really felt a spiritual unity with the Christians we met there. The 'Learning Centro de Idiomas' was looking great (it used to be a grocer's), but there was still much to be done.Off we went to Badajoz,

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-75572159030826349962007-11-22T08:33:00.000Z2007-11-22T08:42:33.051Z

Yes, that's right. I've decided to go to Spain in the new year. Initially it will be for six months but could stretch to another year (or even longer). This somewhat depends on my integration in the culture and knowledge of the language. My flight is on the 3rd of January. There's a lot to do before then! Although, I probably won't put anything here for a while, please remember to look in the

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-62960440904749361912007-11-01T19:52:00.000Z2007-11-01T22:16:55.453Z

The church in Badajoz on Sunday morningLake near Navalmoral de la MataWith the Delgado boys

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-83411647605696070012007-10-26T21:47:00.000+01:002007-11-22T08:33:15.971Z

I arrived back safely last night. It was nice to be at home again and to have a piano to help me unwind. Although my trip hasn't been packed with events, it has been very full and informative.Spain is a spiritually barren place. So many people without hope, without God. The believers I met are a strong testimony of God's grace enabling them to endure. There's one thing I'll not forget in a hurry.

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-18731301238477737022007-10-24T16:58:00.000+01:002007-10-26T21:52:08.318+01:00

¨Things are clear (uncomplicated) and the chocolate is thick." This is a new Spanish expression I learned today after having a hot chocolate which is basically melted chocolate in a mug. However things don't always seem clear to me! Today has been my second full day in Navalmoral de la Mata. I´m very glad I´ve had time to chat with various people, get to know the town and generally to feel quite

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-88400968069536475702007-10-22T10:13:00.000+01:002007-10-22T10:52:35.615+01:00

It's been a good few days in Badajoz. I spent most of Saturday walking! In the morning, I went to town and was told to catch the bus home later. The only problem was I hadn't a clue which stop was right. Neither did I have any phone numbers to call. So I looked for the church.... Three hours later I found it, found a number to ring and found my way home. I am now familiar with the centre of

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-83247755824631422482007-10-19T20:45:00.001+01:002007-10-19T21:38:54.770+01:00

Yesterday was pretty tiring. Hopping from bus to bus to plane to train etc. Thankfully, with only a couple of minutes to spare I caught the bus to Badajoz. I started the day freezing on a coach with no heating and ended it baking on a coach with no air con.! Thanks to God for the travel arrangements fitting together so succinctly. I´m staying with Desmond and Caroline - a lovely couple who have

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636800573601374453.post-37807581754391208312007-10-06T19:31:00.000+01:002007-10-26T21:52:27.088+01:00

The journey to Spain is beginning. For many years, I've hoped to live there and wondered how things would work out. Well, what God puts in someone's heart, He puts there for a reason. Next week I'm going for a reccy to Badajoz and Navalmoral de la Mata. I'll be leaving on the 18th and visiting old friends at the weekend. Then I'll be meeting the couple in whose English Academy I may work (hence

Tim Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06170738191119005917noreply@blogger.com1