Author: faithrootsdw

The Gospel in Ephesians

At the heart of all of Paul’s letters is the Gospel. It was clearly his belief that a restating of how and why we are saved is what we need if we are to live godly lives.  This is true in Ephesians as well.  Whilst some of his themes, most notably justification are not mentioned… Continue reading The Gospel in Ephesians

Tim Keller’s legacy

We are coming up to the first anniversary of Tim Keller’s death and so this is perhaps a good opportunity to reflect on his life and contribution to the work of the Gospel.   Keller planted a thriving church in New York before going on to develop a wider international speaking and writing ministry.  I’m sure… Continue reading Tim Keller’s legacy

Training Elders

Tim Suffield writes here on the importance of training elders.  I don’t really have much to add to what he has to say.  I agree with him that we should train and equip all elders at a church, whether they are on staff or not. I agree with him that this is not first and… Continue reading Training Elders

When people know nothing at all about Jesus

On a Friday afternoon, a group of us from our church get together at a local pub for one of our small groups.  The approach is “Ask anything?” Sometimes one of the group will raise a question that’s been bothering them but if not, the group leader will put forward a question to get us… Continue reading When people know nothing at all about Jesus

Is marriage the State’s business?

My friend Steve Kneale has written here about marriage arguing that churches should not be conducting marriage ceremonies, but if they do, they should only do so for church members.  Well, personally I sit loosely on whether or not you should have a church wedding and whether or not churches should perform them. I don’t… Continue reading Is marriage the State’s business?

Can we appreciate Alpha?

Following Russell Brand’s baptism, there has been a lot of interest generated in the media about celebrities and evangelicalism including this rather sneering article in The Times.  John Stevens, National Director of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) shared the link on Facebook and commented to the effect that whilst there is a tendency… Continue reading Can we appreciate Alpha?

What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?

Controversial comedian and celebrity opinion former, Russell Brand has recently announced that he has been baptised in the River Thames.  The news has polarised responses with some being quick to jump on the news and share it as another exciting example of God moving to bring about a form of Christian revival.  Other examples include… Continue reading What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?