Author: faithrootsdw

This is the moment

Spot the story arch between Mark 10 and Mark 11. At the end of chapter 10, Jesus has been interrupted on his journey through Jericho by a blind man crying to  receive his sight. Healed of his blindness, Bartimaeus now follows Jesus, joining with his disciples. When we get to chapter 11, we discover where… Continue reading This is the moment

Loose lips … careless talk is costly

There was a campaign during World War II with the theme “Loose lips sink ships.”  The point was that unguarded comments might give away intelligence to the enemy enabling U-Boats to target trans-Atlantic crossings.  It became a bit of an Anglo-American proverb, a reminder that careless talk is costly. It’s a proverb that Joe Biden… Continue reading Loose lips … careless talk is costly

Promoting female Theologians: When encouraging others is not tokenism

The other day, I shared a list of female theologians and authors.  I don’t normally open up the comments section on Faithroots, not because I’m against free speech and discussion but because I don’t think those things are dependent on whether or not I open comments. People are free to debate and disagree to their… Continue reading Promoting female Theologians: When encouraging others is not tokenism

Finding joy – an answer to exhaustion

I recently shared a few articles about the Christian Sabbath. In one, I talked about how we shouldn’t be looking at how many meetings a person attends on a Sunday but whether the Sabbath is fulfilling its intended purpose.  My dad who has served as a lay pastor (unpaid whilst continuing in secular work), itinerant… Continue reading Finding joy – an answer to exhaustion

I want to see (Mark 10:46-52)

Jesus is passing through Jericho with his disciples and there’s a blind man begging. It seems that his status is so lowly that he doesn’t even have a first name that he is known by. He is referred to by his surname “Bartimaeus” (Timaeus’ son).  Although his physical eyes are blind, he shows signs of… Continue reading I want to see (Mark 10:46-52)

The tone and application of the passage is not always what the congregation need to hear

Here’s a confession. I really struggled with Chapel services at Theological College. It wasn’t the Anglican liturgy I struggled with. Although I’m a free church guy and wouldn’t use Common Worship in my church context, I’ve actually appreciated the prayer book for time to time. We even used it for a daily Facebook slot during… Continue reading The tone and application of the passage is not always what the congregation need to hear

No context outrage

The other day in a coffee shop I overheard something I found absolutely hilarious, roll on the floor laughing out loud silly. Because I knew Sarah would find it equally hilarious I texted her one of those messages that begins “Overheard ….” Her response was a series of laughing emojis and then the question “Was… Continue reading No context outrage

The only stumbling block (Mark 10:32-34)

In Mark 10, we’ve been seeing the different obstacles and barriers that people face or create for themselves when it comes to knowing Jesus.  It is so important that we do not put barriers up to others.  There is however, one barrier that none of us can avoid.  Peter has responded to the sad case… Continue reading The only stumbling block (Mark 10:32-34)