Author: faithrootsdw

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)

Wanted: A few Prophet Nathans

King David had committed the most horrendous sin. He’d taken and violated Bathsheba. He’d then had her husband murdered under the cover of battle.  His sin will have been an open secret. Even as he sought desperately to cover it up, he drew others into his sin.  Why didn’t they speak up? I suspect fear… Continue reading Wanted: A few Prophet Nathans

Putin’s terror tactics

There’s been much talk, these past few weeks about Vladimir Putin being ready to escalate the war in Ukraine by use of chemical or even nuclear weapons. It is important to remember a couple of things here when discussing potential nuclear assault. In terms of response, I believe that NATO powers will prefer preventive to… Continue reading Putin’s terror tactics

The barrier of self-sufficiency (Mark 10:17-31)

A man comes to Jesus and asks him how we can receive eternal life.  We discover three important things about the man Jesus is keen for this man to receive what his heart desires, eternal life.  So, he does two things.  First of all, he challenges the man’s understanding of goodness. The man has given… Continue reading The barrier of self-sufficiency (Mark 10:17-31)

Let the children come (Mark 10:13-16)

Parents are bringing their children to meet Jesus, for him to bless them. His disciples try to turn them away. They think that Jesus is too busy and too important to be bothered with children. He’s got real teaching to do with adults, he’s got followers to gather. He’s in the business of casting out… Continue reading Let the children come (Mark 10:13-16)

The shame myth

There’s a little myth that has gained currency over the last 30 years to the point where it is generally held as unchallengeable truth.  The theory goes like this: Western cultures are all about guilt and retribution, Eastern cultures are all about honour and shame.  Reformed/Evangelical Theology has paid too much attention to the former… Continue reading The shame myth

Is it possible to divorce and then marry again?

After Jesus has been challenged by the Pharisees about Divorce in Mark 10:1-9, his disciples quiz him further.  This is Mark’s summary of the conversation. 10 Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. 11 He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. 12 And… Continue reading Is it possible to divorce and then marry again?