faithrootsdw

Apologetics during a Pandemic

Yesterday at Afternoon Tea, we talked about how we share our faith at a time like this and particularly about apologetics. Apologetics is about being able to articulate reasons for what you believe. It is about being able to answer difficult questions, defend your position and also challenge the beliefs and presuppositions of others. As… Continue reading Apologetics during a Pandemic

Assurance in God’s Word

1 Peter 1:12-21 In the face of false teachers and facing his own imminent death, Peter wants to ensure that the churches are fully prepared for the road ahead. In so doing, a major priority of his is assurance. So, first of all we see assurance demonstrated by spiritual growth. Now, we also see that… Continue reading Assurance in God’s Word

Following the Example of Jesus

In our mini-series on John 13 “A last Conversation with Jesus” today we look at John 13:12-17. Jesus tells his disciples that he has provided an example for them. We follow that example by Showing true humility Loving each other and caring practically for one another Sharing the Gospel Encouraging believers to grow in holiness.… Continue reading Following the Example of Jesus

Anxiety in a Time of Coronavirus

For those struggling with anxiety, the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be a particularly challenging time. Here, we wanted to share some thoughts and advice that we hope you will find helpful. First of all, just as if you were suffering from physical symptoms of illness, we would encourage you to seek appropriate… Continue reading Anxiety in a Time of Coronavirus

Abuse and church – We didn’t mean to be here

In Deuteronomy 19, God provides cities of refuge for Israelites to flee to when they have killed someone. There is a vital qualification, the killing has to have been unintentional. It cannot be for a wilful, malicious attack. The Law made a distinction between two types of sin, the first type were high handed sins,… Continue reading Abuse and church – We didn’t mean to be here

I want to be clean

In the second of our series of videos based on “A last conversation” between Jesus and his disciples (John 13), we look at Peter’s initial refusal to have his feet washed. We talk about the sense of shame and guilt that feels like dirtiness and how Jesus offers deep and lasting cleansing.

The ugliness of death

Yesterday, Steve Kneale reported on new restrictions concerning burials and funerals that are being imposed in West Yorkshire. Grave-side mourners will be limited to 10 maximum (nb it is 6 here in Sandwell) but now, no mourners will be allowed at the Crematorium. Instead the Council will offer “direct cremations” with no mourners present and… Continue reading The ugliness of death

What is Love?

This is the first in our new series of vlogs as we reflect on Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper from John’s Gospel this week. Our first post asks “What is real love, what does it look like and how do I know that God loves me?” Here are the words from Scripture (John 13:1-11)… Continue reading What is Love?

Sharing Communion During Coronavirus

Yesterday, we chose to share communion together as a church family. This wasn’t something we did lightly because we know that the question of whether or not we can continue with communion is something that churches and pastors have been wrestling with. Whilst I have struggled at times with the at times dismissive language used… Continue reading Sharing Communion During Coronavirus

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

We are now entering another week of lockdown. We are under strict instruction not to leave our homes unless we are key workers except for daily exercise, essential shopping and medical needs. Hitting the Easter holidays will make that sense of what we are missing out on all the more painful for many of us.… Continue reading Absence makes the heart grow fonder