When the way forward is the way back

We got off the aeroplane at Beijing airport and jumped into a taxi, giving the driver the details of our hotel in the centre of the city.  After over half hour of driving, we assumed that we must be getting close to our destination. Except my mum looked out of the window and said “We’ve… Continue reading When the way forward is the way back

Legalism – Small Group discussion

Here’s a study/discussion I put together. There are some scenarios for you to work through at the end to help you think through some practical implications. Some may seem a bit far fetched, though they are all probably more realistic than we might wish. Each will help us to think through a practical example of… Continue reading Legalism – Small Group discussion

Women and men – are there responsibilities the other way?

Bear with me, I’m about to step into a potentially explosive minefield.  If there’s anything that is likely to cause a lot of heat on social media it’s someone writing about how people dress and act.  A little while back a pastor went on a bit of a rant about women wearing yoga pants (leggings… Continue reading Women and men – are there responsibilities the other way?

Build this house

This week’s #FaithrootsPodcast on 1 Chronicles 17. Arks, Temples, Priests and Kings in a post exile Judah Key dates David’s idea (v1-2) Nathan corrected (v3-15) “David’s house will be everlasting, ultimately secured in God’s love. The future of David’s kingdom would be wholly different from the uncertainty and disaster that befell Sau’s reign.”[1] Key things… Continue reading Build this house

Regression – Galatians 4 overview

Paul develops the theme of Law’s temporary responsibility by fleshing out the image of a guardian that looks after the young child. During childhood, it is impossible to tell the difference between children and slaves, both are restricted, both under compulsion, both unable to make decisions for themselves. In other words, prior to the coming… Continue reading Regression – Galatians 4 overview

Guilt, Grace and Forgiveness

I‘ve found, when I’m preaching, that when I touch upon the subject of guilt, something resonates. I pick up on it subjectively as I sense people’s attention being grabbed and as I watch body language and facial expressions. I pick up on it objectively as the level of feedback picks up! So guilt seems to… Continue reading Guilt, Grace and Forgiveness

Discussion -how should men and women treat each other in a church?

I mentioned last week, a planned life group discussion on this topic. I thought it might be helpful to share the discussion outline/questions here. Feel free to make use of it in your own context. I’ve got a couple of articles planned that dig further into the topic. Set up for the discussion A slightly… Continue reading Discussion -how should men and women treat each other in a church?