This week Steve deals with one of the biggest contradictions in modern day theology: “If, as the songs and sermons teach us, God demanded a blood sacrifice and that he was unwilling or unable to extend forgiveness to us without it, then God himself is unwilling to follow the teachings of Jesus – which all becomes a case of ‘do as I say, not as God does.’”

Last week Steve argued that the God's holiness means he's different, but not necessarily separated from us.  This week Steve continues thinking along these lines as to whether God suffers or not. As Steve asks, "could it be that God who loves more than any other being in the universe also suffers the most?"

Last week Steve looked at the story of the Israelites exodus from captivity in Egypt, and the series of mysteries and confusing messages Moses was subjected to – from a burning bush, to striking a rock for water. Wrapped up in that is a huge implication for how we understand our relationship with God; it’s not about waiting for some divine revelation but instead choosing to actively follow. That’s where God meets us – in our willingness to engage.

Last week, Steve explored the yearning inside of everyone to worship. Whether that becomes God or something more material we choose to worship; worship is, in and of itself, a choice. Continuing with the theme of “choosing God” Steve looks at probably one of the most well-known stories from the Bible: Moses and the Burning Bush.

After spending a few weeks on thinking about who God is, Steve begins to dig into what this means for us.  In the Old Testament “LORD” is often capitalized to signal the translation from Yahweh. But there’s more.

Chalke Talk 29 - We all need to worship something from Open Church Network on Vimeo.

This week Steve looks at how people’s perceptions of God have been responsible for tremendous positivity but also tremendous damage throughout history, and today.

Chalke Talk 28 - We're made in God's image, but he's not made in ours from Open Church network on Vimeo.

After explaining why God is not angry last week, Steve dives even deeper into what it means for us that God doesn’t just love, but that God is love.

Chalke Talk 27 - Anguish is different than Anger from Open Church network on Vimeo.

This week, Steve looks at why so many have come to believe God is a vengeful wrath-filled judge, and where we, as Christians, got off on the wrong foot thinking this way.

Chalke Talk 26 - God is not angry; God is love from Open Church network on Vimeo.

Steve begins this week’s Chalke Talk by reflecting on some of the questions he has been asked, following the previous video in which he suggested that Heaven is likely to be filled with far more than just Christians.

Chalke Talk 25 - Christianity NOT about life after death from Open Church network on Vimeo.

Life in our globalised, multi-faith, multi-cultural, world highlights some big questions, ones which have always been there for the Church, but which have often been ignored, says Steve in this week’s Chalke Talk.

Chalke Talk 24 from Open Church network on Vimeo.