David Instone-Brewer

Jesus hasn't returned yet. Why not?
2023-03-27T11:44:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
In the first century, something or someone stopped Jesus’ second coming. David Instone-Brewer explores what happened and asks: What is it that is holding him back today?
Did Paul condemn all homosexuality?
2023-01-26T09:23:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer wrestles with the key biblical texts that appear to condemn gay sex
Why doesn’t life make sense?
2022-11-25T16:08:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Looking for answers? Draw near to the one who gives life it’s meaning, suggests David Instone-Brewer, as he takes a closer look at the book of Ecclesiastes
This film claims the word ‘homosexuals’ shouldn’t be in our Bibles. Did translators get it wrong?
2022-11-24T09:29:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Most churches in the world today preach that homosexuality is a sin, citing biblical references to support their case. But what if the word “homosexual” was added to the Bible by mistake? That’s the claim of a new documentary film, 1946. Premier Christianity’s resident Bible scholar, David Instone Brewer, went to see it
‘Twerk & Snake Eyes’: Did you know these disciples changed their names to avoid embarassment?
2022-09-29T11:57:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
In exploring why God changed the name of key biblical characters, David Instone-Brewer wonders whether it might be time for modern Christians to drop the ‘Evangelical’ label
If the Bible proclaims equality, why did it take the Church so long to start preaching it?
2022-07-29T14:21:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Is it true that God has no favourites? David Instone-Brewer investigates
Solving the problem of holiness
2022-05-30T15:06:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer explains how the removal of sin enables us to survive God’s presence
Did God punish Jesus on the cross?
2022-04-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
The doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement has divided Christians in recent years. David Instone-Brewer takes a fresh look at what the Bible says
Christ 'emptying himself' is a neglected doctrine. We must reclaim it this Easter
2022-04-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
The Bible contains many different metaphors that explain what Jesus achieved on the cross. But David Instone-Brewer says this doctrine is special
Archaeologists are divided on David’s Kingdom. The Bible contains the clue they’re looking for
2022-03-28T12:08:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer, Biblical scholar
Archaeologists have long claimed that David and Solomon’s kingdoms were just exciting myths. David Instone-Brewer explains why we can trust the Old Testament’s version of history
Why did Paul tell women to submit to their husbands?
2022-01-27T14:33:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer, Biblical scholar
What exactly did Paul teach in the New Testament, and how should Christians understand and apply his teaching today? David Instone-Brewer sheds some light on this deeply divisive issue
Why Noah's flood may not have been global
2021-11-26T09:28:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer, Resident Bible scholar
Was it a global flood, or local flood? David Instone-Brewer explains why he (reluctantly) changed his mind
Why Christians should ditch the concept of original sin
2021-10-28T10:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
It might be commonly taught, but Augustine's concept of original sin doesn't have scriptural support, argues David Instone-Brewer
Justice, mercy and grace: What these biblical words mean…and why it matters
2021-09-27T16:05:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Each of these words describe an important way that God relates to us. But the third one is the most special
What is a kinsman redeemer?
2021-07-29T15:26:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Don’t miss the significance of this biblical title, says David Instone-Brewer. It reveals how God is absolutely dependable
Did Jesus die for aliens?
2021-05-25T10:07:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
As the US military gets ready to release an unclassified report into UFOs, David Instone-Brewer looks at the biblical evidence for extra-terrestrial life
Ask, Seek, Knock: Why we’ve misunderstood Jesus’ teaching on prayer
2021-03-25T12:34:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
One evening, my wife was reading out the recycling rules and said: “Why not do it right now?” Feeling somewhat aggrieved, I asserted (rather too loudly) that I had already been doing it right, but she cut me off. “No,” she said. “Why not do it right now – the ...
Why Covid-19 is NOT God's judgement
2021-02-17T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Premier Christianity's resident Bible scholar David Instone-Brewer explains why he believes this pandemic is not a sign of God's anger
Was Paul a good preacher?
2020-07-29T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
The gospel spread in spite of Paul’s preaching, rather than because of it, suggests David Instone-Brewer
Decoding the Bible: Spiritual maladies
2020-01-22T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
What does the Bible say about mental illness and demonic possession? David Instone-Brewer investigates
Are natural disasters God’s punishment for sin?
2019-11-21T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Christian Rugby player Israel Folau sparked outrage recently for linking Australia's bushfires to the nation’s liberalisation of marriage and abortion laws. Theologian David Instone-Brewer investigates whether natural disasters are ever God's punishment for sin
Is the resurrection beyond belief?
2019-04-18T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer examines the gospel accounts of Jesus rising from the dead, and responds to the claim that early Christians simply made the story up
Worshipping with angels
2017-09-18T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer considers a heavenly perspective on our worship gatherings
Misuse and abuse
2017-03-23T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Please don’t talk about ‘Adam and Steve’ says David Instone-Brewer. Misusing Bible verses to make your point only hurts your argument
Does God hate sinners?
2016-08-20T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer explains why it’s good to be reminded of God’s wrath
Making sense of sacrifice
2016-05-12T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Continuing his series on the significance of the cross, David Instone-Brewer examines what it means to say that Jesus died as a ‘sacrifice’ for our sins
God: Puppeteer, Chess Master or Warrior?
2016-02-11T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Christians agree that God is all-powerful. But how does the Almighty work out his plan? David Instone-Brewer looks at the biblical evidence
A one woman man
2015-12-16T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Many churches teach that Christian leaders must never have been divorced, quoting 1 Timothy 3:12: ‘the husband of one wife’ (KJV). But the apostle Paul had something else in mind, says our doctrine detective David Instone-Brewer
The Perfect Wife
2015-10-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Is ‘wifely submission’ a curse we should ignore, or biblical teaching we should follow? Our Doctrine Detective David Instone-Brewer investigates
The Truth about Tithing
2015-09-15T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
In a new series, David Instone-Brewer becomes the Doctrine Detective and investigates whether there’s really a biblical basis for many popular teachings. This month: Should Christians be tithing 10%?
Blood moons and Bible prophecy
2015-08-10T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer delves into the world of astronomy as he examines recent claims of end-time signs.
Evolution’s Creator
2015-07-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Wherever they stand on the debate, all Christians can praise God for the process of evolution, says our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer.
God of the multiverse
2015-06-16T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Some atheists use multiverse theories to argue against the existence of God. David Instone-Brewer agrees that our universe may be just one among many – but God must have created all of them.
Does individual life really begin at conception?
2015-05-14T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Writing in the June edition of Premier Christianity, David Instone Brewer argued that an individual life begins 14 days after conception. Read David’s controversial article, and Peter D Williams’ response below.
To infinity and beyond
2015-04-10T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Could the mathematics of infinity point to something beyond this universe?
Autopsy of a crucifixion
2015-03-12T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Drawing on his studies in forensic pathology, David Instone-Brewer explores the science of crucifixion.
Upcycled Earth
2015-02-11T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Our planet will one day become our renewed eternal home, so we had better look after it, says David Instone-Brewer.
Can you weigh a spirit?
2015-01-07T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer delves into neurology and explores the nature of the human spirit.
Refresh my memory
2014-12-17T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
When we get to heaven, will we remember everything we said and did on earth? Our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer examines how memory works and whether our resurrection bodies will be accompanied by a reconditioned memory bank.
Millions in the Wilderness
2014-11-13T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Exactly how many Israelites lived in the wilderness? Continuing his series exploring science and the Bible, our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer explores whether the numbers in Exodus add up.
Christmas Scandals
2014-11-12T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Festive cards usually depict a serene tableau set in a stable complete with shepherds, wise men and baby Jesus with a halo. But the first Christmas was anything but respectable. David Instone-Brewer reveals the unconventional nativity characters that would have made even a tabloid journalist blush.
Male and female he created them?
2014-10-08T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer explores what the Bible has to say on gender and transgender issues.
Life before Adam?
2014-09-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Continuing his series on science and the Bible, David Instone-Brewer takes a closer look at what Genesis reveals about the origins of humankind.
Star-struck
2014-08-08T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
In the first of his new series exploring science and the Bible, our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer uncovers the significance of stars.
Better the Devil you know
2014-07-11T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer explores Jesus’ teaching on someone we all-too-readily overlook: the Devil
The childlike Church
2014-06-09T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Jesus encouraged us to ‘become like little children’ (Matthew 18:3), but did he really want his Church to be like a playgroup – full of self-centred bickering and snotty noses?
Proportional Punishment in Hell
2014-05-14T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Do we gloss over teaching on hell? David Instone-Brewer takes a look at what Jesus has to say on the subject.
Chucking people out of Church
2014-04-14T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Continuing his new series, David Instone-Brewer sheds light on doctrines we may have overlooked.
Doctrines That Time Forgot
2014-04-07T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
In this new series, David Instone-Brewer sheds light on doctrines we may have overlooked…
Bible Stories Uncensored: David the Tyrant
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
We often think of David as the plucky young boy who defeated Goliath. In reality, he was a nation-builder as well as a mass murderer who ignored the rape of his own daughter.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Sex tips from Solomon
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Breasts, kisses and hair like a flock of goats…David Instone-Brewer on Old Testament turn-ons.
Divisive Bible Doctrines: Bridging troubled waters
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Rather than arguing over the ‘how’ or the ‘when’ of baptism, David Instone-Brewer explains that the real division is over what it actually does.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Nehemiah: Political Manipulator
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer investigates the underhand tactics of this biblical hero. If we’re honest, we’d probably all admit that we’ve lied, cheated and bullied on occasion – perhaps we told ourselves it was ‘necessary’. I must admit that’s how I once got a gold star for maths homework.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Ruth the Maneater
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
When are feet not feet? When they are used euphemistically to spare blushes, as David Instone-Brewer discovers in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Samson the Thug (and Pimp)
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Should we tell children about the murkier acts of Samson, such as using prostitutes and pimping out his wife? On a family holiday some years ago, we found ourselves driving through a very rough part of a town and I started to dread what my daughters might be seeing.
5 Tough Questions about the Bible
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Our resident Bible scholar responds to some typical questions about the Old Testament that The Bible series is likely to raise for non-believers (and probably plenty of Christians too, if we’re honest).
Bible Stories Uncensored: Esther: the best in bed
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Esther might have saved the Jews through her nocturnal activity, but, writes David Instone-Brewer, she didn’t manage to save a traditional family structure which celebrated women.
David Instone-Brewer: Predestination or free will?
2014-03-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
Does God decide who will be saved, or is humanity free to choose to follow him?
Not lost in translation
2014-02-05T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
How does a modern Bible translation like the NIV come about? Baptist minister David Instone-Brewer got a unique opportunity to find out when he was invited to join with a committee of translators.
Joshua 10
2013-10-02T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Did God really make the sun stand still? David Instone-Brewer tackles Joshua chapter 10...
Blood and Sacrifices
2013-07-23T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Why is the Old Testament apparently running with blood? David Instone-Brewer examines the importance and the symbolism.
Sabbath - rest or recreation?
2013-02-15T00:00:00+00:00By David Instone-Brewer
The principle of a ‘weekend’ is an entirely biblical one, says David Instone-Brewer. How will you use yours?
Undemocratic Rule
2012-09-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
What is the best system of government? David Instone-Brewer explores the ideal of democracy, and why God didn’t instigate it for Israel.
The Death Penalties
2012-08-15T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Advocating the death penalty in the Old Testament seems barbaric. However, David Instone-Brewer argues that scripture actually has a high value for human life.
Concubines and Prostitutes
2012-07-18T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
David Instone-Brewer examines the effects on women of some controversial Old Testament practices and unearths surprising parallels with today.
Child Sacrifice
2012-06-18T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Human sacrifice was once so common as to be considered normal. Did Abraham’s God endorse it? David Instone-Brewer explores the unacceptable.
Mark 1
2012-06-11T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
When the early Gospel manuscripts were being rapidly reproduced, mistakes were made. But did they change the message? David Instone-Brewer looks at omissions and additions in Mark 1.
Old Testament warfare
2012-06-11T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Did Joshua commit genocide? Necessary rules of engagement or unnecessary slaughter? David Instone-Brewer on Old Testament warfare.
Paul's Letters
2012-06-11T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Some scholars claim that as many as half of Paul’s letters weren’t actually written by him. Are they fakes, or did he just have a secretary?
Genesis 19
2011-08-30T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Did God really send natural disasters to punish people? David Instone-Brewer tackles the story of Sodom in Genesis 19...
Genesis 3
2011-06-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Is the story of Adam and Eve literally true, or should we treat it as an allegory? David Instone-Brewer tackles Genesis 3...
Genesis 6
2011-06-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Did Noah’s Ark actually happen? Were six million land species really rescued in one boat? David Instone-Brewer tackles Genesis 6...
Genesis 11: 1-9
2011-06-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
What actually happened at the Tower of Babel? Did God really make everyone talk in different languages?
Genesis 1
2011-06-13T00:00:00+01:00By David Instone-Brewer
Was the earth created in six days or billions of years? David Instone-Brewer tackles Genesis 1...