Jesus has promised that at least some of the disciples will see the glory and power of his coming kingdom. This, in context, is pointing to his death and resurrection. However, as that day approaches there seem to be further opportunities for them to see even clearer glimpses of what that will look like. First… Continue reading Foretastes of glory (Mark 9:2-50)
Author: faithrootsdw
No, we do not need another University
From the Daily Telegraph, apparently a think tank is proposing that we should have a competition to find the location of a new University to be named after Queen Elizabeth II. There’s now a competition under way it seems to find ways to “honour” the late Queen on the basis that it would be “fitting”… Continue reading No, we do not need another University
Pursue plurality and interdependence
I’m a firm believer in the importance of plural leadership. This should include a plurality of elders and a wider leadership team of godly men and women. The evidence for the need for plural elders is seen in Acts 20:17 where Paul meets with the elders (plural) of the Ephesian church. Then in Titus 1:5,… Continue reading Pursue plurality and interdependence
Protesting is alive and well
Throughout the last week, there have been stories about people being arrested or threatened with arrest during either aspects of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II or events to proclaim the new king. As I’ve written here, I suspect that in most cases where an arrest takes place that there is a little bit more… Continue reading Protesting is alive and well
Get behind me (Mark 8:27-38)
Strong and shocking words from Jesus “Get behind me Satan”. Why does he use such strong language? It’s because he recognises in Peter’s response to his teaching that he must suffer and die one of the devil’s big temptations. Earlier we saw how the Pharisee’s demand for a sign echoed Satan’s encouragement that Jesus should… Continue reading Get behind me (Mark 8:27-38)
Appreciate the provisions of Common Grace
In Romans 13:1-5, Paul writes: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to… Continue reading Appreciate the provisions of Common Grace
Keep a particular look out for narcissistic bullies
When thinking about dangerous leaders, the potential false shepherds and even wolves that might sneak in, being alert to the dangers of narcissism may be helpful. Narcissists are people with an unhealthy inward focus on themselves. They believe that the world should or does revolve around them, their needs and their priorities. These are the… Continue reading Keep a particular look out for narcissistic bullies
A second look (Mark 8:22-26)
I identify with the blind man healed in Mark 8:22-26. I’ve often sat in the optician’s chair as he’s moved lenses around pausing to ask “better here … or better here.” Ninety five percent of the time I find myself saying “about the same.” I used to worry that I was giving the wrong answer… Continue reading A second look (Mark 8:22-26)
Questioning curiosity
Here’s an interesting one. Jemar Tisby wrote: Now, perhaps ironically, that in itself raises a whole load of questions that his approving audience don’t seem to be asking. The first one is this.” How would people have reacted if we replaced the words ‘white’, ‘evangelical’ and questions’ in that sentence?” A second question would be,… Continue reading Questioning curiosity
Food shortage? (Mark 8:13-21)
After refusing to give the Pharisees a sign, Jesus heads off with his disciples across Galilee by boat. Once again we are faced with a bread crisis. The Disciples have only remembered to bring along one loaf of bread, that’s probably a small loaf so it’s not going to feed all of them. This seems… Continue reading Food shortage? (Mark 8:13-21)
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