Author: faithrootsdw

Giving advice

Here are some thoughts on giving advice and opinions, especially in a church context. The first thing to say is that it is best not to offer unsolicited advice, it is very rarely welcome. Indeed, often when people tell you something, they are not particularly looking for advice. They are looking for three things The… Continue reading Giving advice

Isolated (Proverbs 18)

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;    he breaks out against all sound judgment.”[1] These are probably not helpful words for a Government attempting to encouraging COVID-19 patients to self-isolate. Yet, our experience of having to socially isolate over these past 7 months have been a crash course in the cost of such isolation. When we… Continue reading Isolated (Proverbs 18)

Will a circuit break work?

The latest proposal for combatting coronavirus is a “circuit break.” The idea is that by taking short breaks from normal life by imposing mini lockdowns, we can help flatten the next wave of COVID-19.  Is this likely to be effective. Well, if the question is “will such measures effectively combat the pandemic” then I don’t… Continue reading Will a circuit break work?

Facing your fears

In Sunday’s sermon I said that having peace with God means that we can face our fears.  In this article, I want to talk through the practicalities of doing that.  The first step of course is to recognise exactly what it is that we are afraid of.  This also helps us to properly assess the… Continue reading Facing your fears

Deacons? -Another clue

In Acts 6, the early church faces one of its first internal crises. The Greek speaking Christians are complaining that they are being neglected, particularly in relation to food. The response of the apostles is to encourage a little bit of devolution and delegation.  “The Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would… Continue reading Deacons? -Another clue

Authoritarian?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve increasingly seen Christians complaining about Government measures relating to coronavirus as “authoritarian”.  Now, I want to be clear at this stage that I’m not a big fan of the Boris Johnson administration, I didn’t vote for them and I, like many have serious reservations about the characters, policies and… Continue reading Authoritarian?

Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)

“I just wish things could get back to normal.” Have you heard other people saying that? Have you found yourself saying it too?  If I were to take you back to February and March, how did you feel then? Perhaps you were anxious but there was also the adrenalin of being in this together too… Continue reading Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)

Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable

Imagine this: it’s summer 2021.  After extensive trials and tests, the COVID-19 vaccine is available.  It has been internationally confirmed to be reliable, safe and effective. Here in the UK it is available to you for free. What would you say to someone who is choosing to refuse the vaccine and instead is insisting on… Continue reading Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable

Who are deacons?

The first turn to Bible passage on deacons tends to be 2 Timothy 3. This is where Paul sets out the qualifications for both elders and deacons. In the first part of the chapter, Paul says that the role of elder/overseer/Bishop is a noble desire. He then sets out the qualifications for the role. Overseers… Continue reading Who are deacons?