Foundations

Issue No 62

Spring 2012

Introduction

Welcome to Issue 62, the latest edition of Foundations since we became an online journal. Recently, we have also made available, free of charge, every article from every edition, dating back to our first publication in 1978. This is a wonderful resource for theologically minded Christians and we hope it will be well used by the church, for God’s glory.

Issue 62 contains another collection of stimulating, wise and biblically faithful articles, as well as some book reviews that will point you in the direction of important reading material. As usual, Foundations includes contributions from serving church pastors who recognise the importance of theology being worked out in the real life of the local church, world mission and the Christian’s daily interaction with fallen humanity. It is our prayer that this issue will again provoke readers around the world to greater love for the Lord, renewed commitment to seeking him through his Word, and a fresh determination to read, pray, live and serve with mind and heart fully engaged, for our Lord Jesus Christ and his church.

Steven Mittwede shows how the relationship between justification and sanctification in Paul’s letters helps us to avoid the pitfalls of legalistic religion; at stake, he says ‘is the spiritual health of individual believers and local fellowships of believers’. Derek Bigg contributes helpfully and practically on the neglected subject of the public reading of Scripture. Chris Thomas writes as a pastor and chaplain on the way in which chaplaincy work reflects a consistent theme throughout Scripture of God’s presence in the world he has made. He ends with a pertinent challenge to us all. Oliver Gross provides a thorough exegetical study of John 3:5 and comes to a well-argued (and, to some, controversial) conclusion. Finally, Kieran Beville gives us a useful survey of the main players in the phenomenon of New Atheism and encourages us, like David facing Goliath, to have courageous hearts. Book reviews from Stephen Clark, Gareth Williams, Paul Yeulett and Ro Mody complete this edition.

With Ralph Cunnington due to take up the reins as Editor of Foundations in September, we are also going to strengthen the team of Associate Editors at the same time. Ted Donnelly has had to step down from this role due to ill health; we thank him for his support in the past and wish him the Lord’s blessing for the future. And we will welcome three new members of the team: Ted Turnau is a professor of cultural and religious studies in Prague, Czech Republic; Bob Fyall is Senior Tutor in Ministry for the Cornhill Training Course (Scotland), specialising in the Old Testament and homiletics; while Keith Walker is already a member of Affinity’s Theological Team and is the UK Director of SIM (Serving in Mission).

Finally, our new editor is already looking out for contributions to future issues. Articles (not exceeding 8,000 words excluding footnotes) and Book Reviews (not exceeding 1,500 words) may be submitted electronically as an email attachment to the Editor, Peter Milsom ( peter@affinity.org.uk ).


The Relationship Between Paul’s Soteriology and His Ethics

Steven K Mittwede

EQUIP! Team, Ankara, Turkey

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Public Bible Reading: A Neglected Gift of Grace

Derek Bigg

Member and former elder of Christ Church, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK

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Gospel Chaplaincy In a Secular World

Chris Thomas

Pastor of Oak Tree Church, Birmingham, UK & Voluntary Chaplain to West Midlands Police

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The Interpretation of John 3:5

Oliver Gross

Pastor of New Street Evangelical Church, Welshpool, Powys, UK

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Aggressive Atheism

Kieran Beville

Pastor of Lee Valley Bible Church (Baptist), Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland

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Book review – Aping Mankind: Neuromania, Darwinitis and the Misrepresentation of Humanity

Stephen Clark

Minister of Freeschool Court Evangelical Church, Bridgend, UK, member of the Affinity Theological Team and Chair of the Affinity Theological Study Conference

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Book review – Christ-centred Biblical Theology

Gareth Williams

Pastor of Bala Evangelical Church, North Wales, UK

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Book review – To Know and Love God: Method for Theology

Paul Yeulett

Pastor of Shrewsbury Evangelical Church, Shropshire, UK

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Book review – Only One Way?: Three Christian Reponses on the Uniqueness of Christ in a Religiously Plural World

Rohintan K. Mody

Vicar of St Paul’s Church, Throop, Bournemouth, UK

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