David Instone-Brewer
More than just friends - early Church community was radical
Being part of a community of believers wasn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ for the first Christians. Fellowship was vital for a family’s wellbeing, explains David Instone-Brewer
Is the Prince of Persia causing chaos in Gaza?
Christians around the world are praying fervently for peace in the Middle East, yet the fighting continues. Are our prayers being hindered? A peculiar story from the Old Testament may help us understand what’s going on, says David Instone-Brewer
What does it mean to "live by the Spirit"? These scientific insights might help
Neuroscience might provide some unexpected answers to two complex theological questions, says David Instone-Brewer
Valuable trash: Why the first Christians were known as the scum of the earth
Throughout Christian history, those at the bottom of society have been most receptive to the good news, explains David Instone-Brewer
Communion then and now
Traditions may have changed over the centuries, but wherever and whenever we eat the bread and drink the wine, we share fellowship together as one family – and with Jesus – says David Instone-Brewer
Jesus hasn't returned yet. Why not?
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?
David Instone-Brewer wrestles with the key biblical texts that appear to condemn gay sex
Why doesn’t life make sense?
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?
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?
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?
Is it true that God has no favourites? David Instone-Brewer investigates
Solving the problem of holiness
David Instone-Brewer explains how the removal of sin enables us to survive God’s presence
Did God punish Jesus on the cross?
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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?
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?
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
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
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?
The gospel spread in spite of Paul’s preaching, rather than because of it, suggests David Instone-Brewer
Decoding the Bible: Spiritual maladies
What does the Bible say about mental illness and demonic possession? David Instone-Brewer investigates
Are natural disasters God’s punishment for sin?
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?
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
David Instone-Brewer considers a heavenly perspective on our worship gatherings
Bitterness is rotten
David Instone-Brewer unpacks the Bible’s teaching on anger and revenge
Misuse and abuse
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?
David Instone-Brewer explains why it’s good to be reminded of God’s wrath
Making sense of sacrifice
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?
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
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
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
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
David Instone-Brewer delves into the world of astronomy as he examines recent claims of end-time signs.
Evolution’s Creator
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
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?
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
Could the mathematics of infinity point to something beyond this universe?
Autopsy of a crucifixion
Drawing on his studies in forensic pathology, David Instone-Brewer explores the science of crucifixion.
Upcycled Earth
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?
David Instone-Brewer delves into neurology and explores the nature of the human spirit.
Refresh my memory
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
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
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?
Our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer explores what the Bible has to say on gender and transgender issues.
Life before Adam?
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
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
David Instone-Brewer explores Jesus’ teaching on someone we all-too-readily overlook: the Devil
The childlike Church
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
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
Continuing his new series, David Instone-Brewer sheds light on doctrines we may have overlooked.
Doctrines That Time Forgot
In this new series, David Instone-Brewer sheds light on doctrines we may have overlooked…
Bible Stories Uncensored: David the Tyrant
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
Breasts, kisses and hair like a flock of goats…David Instone-Brewer on Old Testament turn-ons.
Divisive Bible Doctrines: Bridging troubled waters
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
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
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)
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
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
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?
Does God decide who will be saved, or is humanity free to choose to follow him?
Not lost in translation
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
Did God really make the sun stand still? David Instone-Brewer tackles Joshua chapter 10...
Blood and Sacrifices
Why is the Old Testament apparently running with blood? David Instone-Brewer examines the importance and the symbolism.
Sabbath - rest or recreation?
The principle of a ‘weekend’ is an entirely biblical one, says David Instone-Brewer. How will you use yours?
Undemocratic Rule
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
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
David Instone-Brewer examines the effects on women of some controversial Old Testament practices and unearths surprising parallels with today.
Child Sacrifice
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
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
Did Joshua commit genocide? Necessary rules of engagement or unnecessary slaughter? David Instone-Brewer on Old Testament warfare.
Paul's Letters
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
Did God really send natural disasters to punish people? David Instone-Brewer tackles the story of Sodom in Genesis 19...
Genesis 3
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
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
What actually happened at the Tower of Babel? Did God really make everyone talk in different languages?
Genesis 1
Was the earth created in six days or billions of years? David Instone-Brewer tackles Genesis 1...
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2023 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud