Last Sunday, I preached on Jesus casting out demons. I highlighted three points in reference to this. Demon possession is possible today though I suspect rarer than in Jesus’ day Christians cannot be demon possessed because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit The demon exorcisms in the Gospel help us to understand the wider… Continue reading Demons
Category: Church life
Miracles
I love the account of Jesus calming in the storm in Matthew 8. It’s a fantastic story for telling children’s groups. There’s so much you can do to include the kids in the story, getting them to blow li the wind, using a parachute game to get the wave effect, settling the children down peacefully… Continue reading Miracles
Yes Advice changes!
You know how when you are driving through town, you get instructed by the road sign to drive at 40 miles per hour? It’s very frustrating when 5 minutes later those in charge of the road change their minds and tell you to drive at 30 miles per hour. Then to compound things you turn… Continue reading Yes Advice changes!
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?
What are deacons (not)
I’ve just took part in an interesting conversation with other pastors which started out with a question about how we train deacons in the church. This led to further questions about what exactly is a deacon? Fascinatingly there didn’t seem to be a uniform opinion on this. So, I thought it might be worth thinking… Continue reading What are deacons (not)
Mingling – The Rule of Six and challenges for church
This week, the Government has introduced new rules. It will be illegal to have groups of greater than six gathering for social purposes. Whilst this does not in and of itself limit the numbers that can attend church, it will have some affect on church life. This is because whilst the total number of people… Continue reading Mingling – The Rule of Six and challenges for church
Singing ourselves to death? Really?
I’ve been slow to respond to this one because to be honest, I just wasn’t sure how. In a recent Evangelicals Now article, Lee Gattis asked “Have we been singing ourselves to death?” The reason I wasn’t sure how to respond was because, even allowing for the desire to catch attention and provoke a response,… Continue reading Singing ourselves to death? Really?
Does forgiveness need to be expressed to the other person?
RT Kendall’s book used to be considered the classic textbook for Christians on forgiveness. One of his main arguments was that forgiveness was primarily about the heart attitude of the offended. One of his key bits of advice was that if someone had offended you and you had truly forgiven them then you would not… Continue reading Does forgiveness need to be expressed to the other person?
Forgiveness and reconciliation may not always mean a return to normal
A boyfriend completely forgets his girlfriend’s birthday and goes out with his mates for a drink instead. It’s not the first time he has let her down. She decides to break off with him. At the time he expresses sorrow, buys her flowers, chocolates and concert tickets but she sees through the remorse, this isn’t… Continue reading Forgiveness and reconciliation may not always mean a return to normal
Do pastors need their own sabbath?
Many pastors have something in their contracts to the effect that they should take one complete day off each week. Funnily it often sounds like this is an obligation on them rather than what it is in fact which is provision for them! It is sometimes suggested that this is to be their sabbath. Now,… Continue reading Do pastors need their own sabbath?
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