Author: faithrootsdw

In defence of grammar and grandma

My wife used to have a poster in her classroom. “Let’s eat Granny.” “Let’s eat, Granny.”… Punctuation saves lives. The comma in that sentence makes all the difference.  Sarah cares strongly about good grammar and punctuation. She’s probably a better person to comment on it as mine tends to be lousy due to a mixture… Continue reading In defence of grammar and grandma

In his name (Mark 9:38-41)

The disciples see someone who has been out and about working miracles, specifically they are casting out demons and it seems with good results.  It seems that this guy had at some point heard about Jesus, maybe witnessed him in action and maybe he had even encountered Christ’s healing power himself. Whatever had happened, it… Continue reading In his name (Mark 9:38-41)

What did you come out to see?

This is an expansion of some quick thoughts I shared on Facebook last night in response to some of the criticisms I’ve seen of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon. I write both as someone who has given my fair share of feedback and criticism over the years, and as someone who has received plenty of… Continue reading What did you come out to see?

I believe, help my unbelief (Mark 9:14-29)

As Jesus and the small group of disciples are coming down from the mountain after the transfiguration, they meet quite the scene.  A man has brought his son to Jesus who is oppressed by a demon that frequently throws him into convulsions. Fascinatingly, I’ve always pictured the son as a young lad but the man’s… Continue reading I believe, help my unbelief (Mark 9:14-29)

Did the Archbishop preach the Gospel?

Before the funeral, there was a lot of talk about the fact that 4 billion people would be listening in and the responsibility therefore on the shoulders of the Archbishop of Canterbury to “hot it out of the court” and “smash it” by giving people the Gospel, full barrels. I must admit that I’m a… Continue reading Did the Archbishop preach the Gospel?

The Queen’s last lesson

There’s been a lot of talk about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon at today’s funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Some people have expressed hope that he’ll really hit home with the Gospel.  Others have expressed the same but with a strong conviction he will fail and almost a desire to see that happen. … Continue reading The Queen’s last lesson

Is it possible to know what happens after death?

Remember the social media thread I shared the other day about the supposed lack of curiosity from evangelicals and how we don’t have questions.  Well, the follow on conversation was fascinating. As is often the case, people who insist that there is no place for certainty appear to become very certain about that. Take this… Continue reading Is it possible to know what happens after death?

When the president meets the potentate

Apparently and perhaps unsurprisingly, two countries have taken offence at the arrangements for mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. China have officially been invited to send a representative although President Xi is highly unlikely to attend.  However, representatives from the embassy were barred from visiting the Queen’s lying in state as that is a… Continue reading When the president meets the potentate

Have a plan for how you handle accusations

Churches are messy and vulnerable places where serious spiritual business is being done.  We should not be surprised then that there will from time to time be accusations that come our way.  Those may be accusations against other members of the church, past or present, partners in fellowship with the church, other leaders and if… Continue reading Have a plan for how you handle accusations