The parable of the sower is perhaps one of the best known of Jesus’ parables. We may however do better to call it “The parable of the soils” because it is the ground that the seed lands on which Jesus’ teaching focuses on. In Jesus’ story the farmer sows seed by scattering it by hand.… Continue reading The condition of your heart (Mark 4:1-20)
Author: faithrootsdw
Is the national Anthem a prayer and should we sing it in church?
Before we leave behind some of the questions that have arisen out of the Jubilee weekend, I’d like to talk about one more thing. One suggestion made has been that we could at least sing the National Anthem in our church services because it is a prayer. In fact, I’ve seen it argued that this… Continue reading Is the national Anthem a prayer and should we sing it in church?
God’s Word at work bringing growth (Mark 4: 1-34)
We now have a cluster of parables about God’s kingdom with farming imagery dominating. The most famous of these is the parable of the Sower (or perhaps more accurately ‘soils’) where seed lands on different types of ground bringing different outcomes. There are things that prevent seed from taking root, growing and bearing fruit reflecting… Continue reading God’s Word at work bringing growth (Mark 4: 1-34)
Don’t forget Pentecost
Today, is a day of great celebration. We are marking an important anniversary in our history. Today is Pentecost Sunday. This marks the anniversary of the day described in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came. Pentecost has sometimes been described as the birthday of the church – where it all began. At the same… Continue reading Don’t forget Pentecost
The Cost of Living Crisis – what should the church be doing?
I started writing this little series about the Cost-of-Living Crisis back in February and I began by observing that this is something that will affect the church so it isn’t something we can just ignore. Since then, we’ve talked about the political and economic challenges of responding to the crisis. We’ve also seen what the… Continue reading The Cost of Living Crisis – what should the church be doing?
A tale of two countries – A Jubilee celebration for all?
Apparently, something big has been happening in Britain over the past few days. Read certain papers (The Telegraph, the tabloids) or watch the BBC and you’ll pick up on it. The UK are celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with street parties and pageants, festooning their houses and neighbourhoods with bunting and Union Jack flags. Those… Continue reading A tale of two countries – A Jubilee celebration for all?
Make it a real Jubilee – cancel the debt
Here’s some information about debt in the UK. The average debt in the UK was over £1.7 billion at the end of November 2021. The average total debt per household in 2021 was £63,112. Unsecured debt from personal loans was estimated at £208 billion in 2019. As stated in UK personal debt statistics, 63% of UK… Continue reading Make it a real Jubilee – cancel the debt
Why I won’t be celebrating Jubilee Sunday (if I can help it)
Yesterday, I began to talk about celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As promised, here’s why I don’t intend to make a big thing of the so called Jubilee Sunday. The first thing to say is that my position doesn’t arise out of some passionate republicanism although my sympathies lie increasingly that way. I’m inclined to… Continue reading Why I won’t be celebrating Jubilee Sunday (if I can help it)
What is the Biblical basis for financially supporting pastors?
Having spent ten years as a paid pastor in a church, I’ve spent the past year and a bit in a slightly different position. I’m currently self-supported which means I’m responsible for raising my own support. There are a lot of positives and benefits to this. One reason I was keen to spend some time… Continue reading What is the Biblical basis for financially supporting pastors?
Is the Queen a Christian?
This weekend marks the official celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A recent pastors’ discussion on Facebook was prompted by the question “How will you be marking Jubilee Sunday?” My answer is that “I won’t”. I’ll write a little bit more about that tomorrow. Steve Kneale has written here explaining why he won’t. Personally, I’ve… Continue reading Is the Queen a Christian?
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