Removing barriers (Mark 10)

We are travelling with Jesus to Jerusalem to the Temple and towards the time of Jesus’s death and resurrection. On route Jesus will encounter those who seek to block and oppose him. We will also see the barriers that others face. First, we see Jesus confronted by the religious leaders seeking to test him. We… Continue reading Removing barriers (Mark 10)

Why the dollar/pound exchange rate matters

Just some quick notes about what has been happening with the currency and what that directly has to do with us.  Let’s simply things down for explanation. Supposing the £1 is trading at $2. It obviously affects when you go on holiday because you want to get as many dollars when you go so you… Continue reading Why the dollar/pound exchange rate matters

The pastor’s Sabbath?

Most pastors have something in their contract to the effect that they should have one day a week completely clear of work. Some contracts will refer to it as the pastor’s sabbath.  I’m deeply uncomfortable with that language because it suggests that the pastor should have his sabbath away from God’s people. It also begs… Continue reading The pastor’s Sabbath?

On younger pastors and preachers

I preached my first sermon when I was 19, I preached for a few years in our small Brethren Gospel Hall in Bradford and a couple of other local churches including a struggling AOG church which I helped out with getting my first experience of revitalisation/replanting.  The elder there wanted to try and use some… Continue reading On younger pastors and preachers

Trusting God in troubled seasons

You can now listen to some of the Faithroots Podcasts on Spotify. A while back I did a series on the book of Habakkuk. As well as working through verse by verse, I also included three short reflection talks. I think that the content is particularly helpful as we face tough and even fearful days… Continue reading Trusting God in troubled seasons

Further reflections on Trussonomics

I’ve been reflecting a little more on the debate around the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement last Friday and what is now becoming referred to as “Trussonomics.”  You will remember that my assessment was that it was economically illiterate and politically stupid. Perhaps you thought that harsh. Perhaps not given the even stronger assertions from… Continue reading Further reflections on Trussonomics

“In this day and age?”

I’m increasingly seeing comments along the lines of “We shouldn’t be seeing or y … in this day and age.” Or “It is disgusting that in one of the richest G7 countries that we should be seeing x.” These statements at the moment relate specifically to the pressures that people are starting to face in… Continue reading “In this day and age?”