The three synoptic gospels follow up closely Jesus’ kingdom parables by pairing two significant signs, or miraculous events together, the calming of a storm and the casting out of demons. Luke will include a further significant sign, the raising of Jairus’ daughter. 13.1 Read Luke 8:22-25 One day, Jesus and his disciples cross Galilee by… Continue reading Big Signs
Author: faithrootsdw
Farage returns -what should we make of it?
So, what are we meant to make of that? It’s the start of week two of the General Election campaign and Nigel Farage has gone from insisting that he would not stand for Parliament this time round to not only standing in Clacton but being appointed leader of his party, Reform UK at an “emergency… Continue reading Farage returns -what should we make of it?
The Good News of the Kingdom
Matthew and Mark cluster together a series of parables with a strong farming theme to illustrate what God’s kingdom is like.[1] Luke selects one of those parables at this stage, the main and longer one about a sower and seed. He pairs this with one also included by Mark at this stage about a lamp… Continue reading The Good News of the Kingdom
DNA: Why you might want a church handbook and how to go about it
An independent church is likely to require a constitution in order to satisfy charity law. This is a legal document. Many churches, in addition to this will provide something based on the constitution intended to be more accessible to the congregation. They may refer to it as a handbook and it is likely to include… Continue reading DNA: Why you might want a church handbook and how to go about it
Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room
The Ukraine-Russia war rumbles on. In the early days, it looked like Ukraine might be quickly overrun. Then a gallant fightback and western support along with significant failings and weaknesses on the Russian side led to the balance shifting in Ukraine’s favour. However the counter offensive was largely ineffective and now, once again the balance… Continue reading Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room
Who are you appealing to?
What do Keir Starmer’s statement that he is “a socialist” and Conservative policy announcements including additional pension protection and reintroduction of National Service have in common? The answer is that in both cases, the intention seems more to reassure or shore up core support and motivate an activist base rather than appeal more broadly. For… Continue reading Who are you appealing to?
Keir Stamina?
One of the most ridiculous non-stories of the UK General Election campaign so far has been the attempt to focus on individual politicians’ (specifically Keir Starmer) physical stamina. The Tories have been trying to argue that the Labour Leader isn’t up to the hard slog of a six week campaign because of his age. Some… Continue reading Keir Stamina?
Slaves and Masters
Ephesians 5-6 applies the way God’s love poured out to us is reflected in our love for each other in four relational examples Encouraging one another in the church Marriage Parents and children Slaves and Masters Here is some background reading relating to the 4th example with a look at church history and the movement… Continue reading Slaves and Masters
Husbands, love your wives … wives, let them
This title might be seen as a possible TL:DR of one of the crucial applications of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (ch 5:21-32). Back in 2010 for my MTh dissertation I had the privilege of studying that particular passage in depth. You can read the results of that study here:
What about those curses?
I wanted to write say a little bit more about the fear of curses. Previously I argued that Spiritual Warfare is not about a kind of superstitious approach relying on symbols and actions to ward off evil. What I mean by this is twofold. First, I don’t need to worry too much if there is… Continue reading What about those curses?
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