Always Reforming I’ve shared a few articles recently reflecting on the less pleasant side of church life. It should sadden us that the church (locally, nationally and internationally) often seems to fall short of what it should be as a haven of hope and safety. However, at the same time it should not surprise us. … Continue reading Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture
Author: faithrootsdw
Avoiding False Assurance
This is the next bit of our mini-series “A last Conversation with Jesus. Read John 13:18-30. Judas is present at the Last Supper but Jesus says that his words do not apply to him. Judas may be tempted to find assurance in his active participation in the Lord’s Supper or his role as treasurer but… Continue reading Avoiding False Assurance
Learning the wrong lessons from a crisis
Don’t you long for the days of good old political knock about and debate? December, the General Election and Jeremy Corbyn’s resignation as Labour leader seems so far away now. For us political anoraks, this week should have been a big occasion. We would be looking forward to the special conference revealing a new leader… Continue reading Learning the wrong lessons from a crisis
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
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